Yaounde hosts first-ever AI summit with focus on role of media, privacy

By Hans Ngala

Yaounde, Cameroon ( CNA) The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the global telecommunications and information technology sector, and Cameroon is no exception. In a speech at the first-ever summit on the role of AI in media in Africa, Telecommunications Minister, Minette Libom Li Likeng, highlighted both the transformative potential and challenges that AI presents today.
“The advent of artificial intelligence represents an unprecedented revolution in the global technology landscape, marking a decisive turning point for the telecommunications and ICT sector,” Likeng said while addressing the AI Summit in Yaounde on March 6, 2024.
AI significantly benefits Cameroonian businesses, particularly in enhancing operational efficiency and service quality. With applications ranging from smarter telecommunications networks to personalized consumer services, companies are poised to gain a competitive edge in an increasingly digital world. However, the rise of AI also brings challenges that must be carefully navigated.
One key concern is data security and privacy. As more Cameroonians rely on smartphones and digital platforms, the collection and use of personal data have become a critical issue. Minister Li Likeng emphasized the need for strong regulations to ensure that AI systems do not compromise the privacy of users. This is especially pressing as AI-driven services become more integrated into everyday life, raising questions about data governance and the ethical use of technology.
While the advantages of AI are clear, Likeng stressed the importance of creating appropriate frameworks to address these concerns. Ensuring that AI applications in Cameroon remain secure, ethical, and beneficial for all is a challenge that will require collaboration between government, businesses, and other stakeholders.
According to UNESCO which funded the summit, it brought together over 800 participants including TV and radio station managers, African media visionaries, leading scientists and researchers, policymakers, and related stakeholders. The summit was attended by 43 African countries and eight countries from Europe, Asia, and America, with an attendance of nearly 1400 people per session – making it one of the largest gatherings on AI anywhere in the world.