DRC: Towards the creation of a national academy dedicated to artificial intelligence
October 14th 2025
With a score of 13.55 out of 100 on the Qhala and Qubit Hub “AI Talent Readiness Index for Africa 2025,” the DRC remains behind in terms of artificial intelligence skills. But the country is multiplying initiatives to strengthen its capacities and prepare for its digital revolution.
The government of the Democratic Republic of Congo announced on Thursday, October 9, the upcoming construction of an artificial intelligence academy. The initiative, led by the Minister of the Digital Economy, Augustin Kibassa Maliba (photo), is part of the National Digital Plan 2026–2030 (PNN2) and the first National Strategy dedicated to AI, both currently under development.
According to Augustin Kibassa Maliba, this academy will be a pillar of Congolese digital sovereignty, training rare talents and promoting an “Afro-centric” approach to AI. “The ideal is not to undergo this revolution, but to lead it, for and by the Congolese themselves, thus ensuring our strategic autonomy and shared prosperity. The center will not only train experts, but also produce AI that respects our linguistic, social, cultural, and economic reality.”
The Congolese Academy of Artificial Intelligence will be tasked with training young talent, stimulating applied research, and supporting the creation of a national technology ecosystem. It will contribute to the mastery of emerging technologies and the development of solutions adapted to local needs, particularly in the areas of health, agriculture, education, and public governance.
This announcement comes amid a continental boom in artificial intelligence initiatives. According to a report published by Mastercard, the African AI market is expected to grow from $4.51 billion in 2025 to $16.5 billion by 2030, driven by the proliferation of startups and public training programs. Countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Côte d’Ivoire have already adopted their own national strategies. The DRC now intends to catch up by leveraging its demographic and academic potential, as well as its particularly connected and innovative youth.
The implementation of this academy is expected to create thousands of specialized jobs, strengthen local research, and improve national data protection. Ultimately, it could help the DRC gain technological independence while ensuring that the benefits of artificial intelligence are shared by all, within an ethical and transparent framework.
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