Buea: AI isn’t here to take our jobs – SNK AI Challenge Inspired Youths Say
By Nchendzengang Tatah
Artificial intelligence (AI) is one topic more popular today than ever. It, however, has remained widely regarded from several points of view. Nonetheless, it would appear that AI has come to stay, and many are beginning to like it.
The Buea edition of the SNK AI Challenge brought together twenty youths from across the South West region to pick up skills in AI in line with fast-changing global dynamics. Participants confessed at the end to have understood the essence and importance of AI, which, according to them, was not going to take their jobs but facilitate them to carry it out.
The three-day training at the Parliamentarian Flat Hotel lasted from July 1-3, 2025. It was organised by the SNK Foundation in collaboration with AI for Africa Initiatives. During the closing event, participants noted that they had learned several things regarding AI and tried its competencies throughout the training.
Neba Glory, a second-year student at the University of Buea’s Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, said she had learned how to incorporate AI into agricultural practice. This, she explained, meant amongst others how it could be used to detect diseases, and create a business plan for an agricultural enterprise. She hoped that her peers of the same gender would seize the opportunities put forth by AI to fast-track development in their respective communities.
“I came here with a misconception that AI is going to take our jobs. I discovered I was wrong, because AI isn’t here to take our jobs. AI is here to complement our effort; to make us more productive and active as individuals,” Tabe Brandon, another participant, said.
Organisers expressed satisfaction at the end of the training. They said the target of the youths was inspired by the leading role this group plays. Anavia Marianne, speaking on behalf of the SNK Foundation, said the knowledge of AI will help the participants in their businesses and jobs.
The SNK AI Challenge came to Buea after Yaounde and Bafoussam. It will stop next at Garoua and Douala, from which a total of 100 youth will be trained.
