The use of artificial intelligence in Cameroon is becoming increasingly prevalent, transforming various aspects of life, including production, learning, communication, and administration. As AI continues to advance, the country faces the challenge of governing this technology to ensure its benefits are realized while minimizing potential risks. According to President Paul Biya, AI has the potential to guarantee a better future for humanity if used responsibly.
In June 2024, the National Consultations on Artificial Intelligence (CONIA) were held in Yaoundé, recommending the development of a suitable legal and regulatory framework, promoting ethics and responsibility in AI, and enhancing skills and data security. The Cameroon Internet Governance Forum in 2026 also prioritized responsible AI governance, data governance, cybersecurity, inclusion, and digital sovereignty. These efforts aim to ensure AI is harnessed for the benefit of society.
The introduction of AI in public administration can bring significant benefits, including automation, improved access to public services, and data analysis. However, the effectiveness of AI in administration must be balanced with ethical considerations to prevent unjust outcomes. A system can be technically efficient while producing unfair decisions, highlighting the need for a fundamental requirement that no technological innovation should compromise human dignity in the name of administrative efficiency.
To govern AI effectively, the Cameroonian government must articulate existing initiatives into a comprehensive vision. In March 2024, the Council of Cabinet discussed the opportunities and risks associated with AI, while in January 2025, the Forum of Regulatory Institutions in Cameroon organized training for public sector regulators on using AI in regulation. These efforts should be built upon to ensure AI is used responsibly in public administration.
A key aspect of AI governance is ensuring that the state is not only a user of AI but also a guarantor of its ethical use. This involves addressing five critical questions before deploying an AI system: Why is AI being used? What data does it rely on? What risks does it pose to citizens? Who is responsible for its decisions or recommendations? What recourse is available to affected individuals? These questions should become standard considerations in Cameroonian administration.
Cameroon must develop an AI ethics framework that reflects its unique cultural and institutional context. The African Union adopted a Continental Strategy on Artificial Intelligence in 2024, emphasizing an inclusive, people-centered approach to AI governance. This strategy highlights the importance of human rights, dignity, cultural diversity, security, inclusion, and African participation in global AI governance.
The Cameroonian government should adopt a charter on AI ethics in the public sector, setting an example for the private sector. The charter should be built around core values such as dignity, responsibility, solidarity, justice, participation, transparency, and sovereignty. By prioritizing these values, Cameroon can ensure that AI is harnessed to promote the well-being of its citizens and contribute to the country's development.
Key points
- The Cameroonian government must develop a comprehensive framework for AI governance to ensure its use in public administration is just and fair.
- The government should prioritize core values such as dignity, responsibility, and transparency in its AI ethics framework.
- Existing initiatives on AI governance should be articulated into a comprehensive vision to ensure responsible use of AI in public administration.
