• DRC to launch national AI academy under 2026-2030 digital plan

• Academy to train experts, promote Afro-centric, ethical AI use

• Aims to boost tech sovereignty, create jobs, and local solutions

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s government announced on Thursday, October 9, the forthcoming construction of a national Artificial Intelligence (AI) Academy. The initiative, spearheaded by Digital Economy Minister Augustin Kibassa Maliba, is a key component of the country’s forthcoming National Digital Plan 2026-2030 (PNN2) and the nation’s first dedicated National AI Strategy, both currently under development.

Minister Maliba stated that the academy would serve as a pillar of Congolese digital sovereignty by training sought-after specialists and fostering an "Afrocentric" approach to AI. "The ideal is not to submit to this revolution, but to lead it, for and by the Congolese people themselves, thereby ensuring our strategic autonomy and shared prosperity," he said. "The center will not only train experts but also produce AI that respects our linguistic, social, cultural, and economic realities."

The Congolese AI Academy’s core mission will be to nurture young talent, stimulate applied research, and support the creation of a robust national technological ecosystem. It will contribute to the mastery of emerging technologies and the development of solutions tailored to local needs, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, education, and public governance.

This announcement comes amid a continental boom in AI initiatives. A report published by Mastercard projected the African AI market to grow from $4.51 billion in 2025 to $16.5 billion by 2030, driven by a surge in startups and public training programs. Countries including Nigeria, South Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire have already adopted national AI strategies. The DRC now intends to close this gap by leveraging its significant demographic and academic potential, alongside its highly connected and innovative youth population.

The establishment of the academy is expected to generate thousands of specialized jobs, strengthen local research, and enhance the protection of national data. Ultimately, it aims to help the DRC gain technological independence while ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence are inclusive, ethical, and transparent.

Samira Njoya