Kinshasa, April 21st, 2026 (CPA).- Artificial Intelligence (AI) was described on Monday by the Minister of Higher Education of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as a strategic tool capable of accelerating innovation and transforming economies, during a panel on the Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD) held in Geneva, Switzerland, according to an official source on Tuesday. “Artificial Intelligence is no longer an emerging technology; it has become a strategic instrument capable of accelerating innovation, transforming economies and opening up new prospects for our societies. For our countries, it represents both a major challenge and a historic opportunity. The DRC is approaching this transition with clarity,” said Professor Dr. Marie-Thérèse Sombo, Minister of Higher Education, University, Scientific Research and Innovation.
“I thank you for giving me the opportunity to share the vision and commitments of the DRC at this pivotal moment when AI is reshaping the contours of development, competitiveness and scientific sovereignty. Our challenges are well known: still limited infrastructure, insufficient connectivity, and an urgent need to strengthen skills in AI and data science,” she added. The minister also highlighted the need for responsible data governance and an appropriate regulatory framework, with the clear conviction that AI can become an accelerator of inclusive transformation, capable of improving healthcare, agriculture, education, natural resource management and public governance. “Under the impetus of the President of the Republic, Félix Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo, and under the leadership of Prime Minister Judith Suminwa Tuluka, the Government has undertaken structuring actions to prepare the country for this new era,” she said. Ms. Sombo indicated that on June 19th, 2025, the Congolese government adopted the national report on the DRC’s readiness for AI, establishing a strategic basis to guide public policies. “A National Commission is currently drafting the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, which will define priorities, standards and governance mechanisms for responsible deployment. Starting from the 2026–2027 academic year, a Master’s program in AI will be launched in two pilot public institutions: the University of Kinshasa (Unikin) and the University of Lubumbashi (Unilu), with curriculum development set to begin at the end of this month,” she explained.
Creation of an Academy and a National Research and Innovation Center in AI
Furthermore, Minister Sombo announced that the DRC is preparing to establish an Academy and a National Center for Research and Innovation in AI, which will serve as future centers of excellence dedicated to applied research, innovation and the development of local solutions. According to the professor, “the issue is not only technological. It is deeply political: ensuring that AI serves humanity, strengthens science, supports sustainable development and preserves the digital sovereignty of our States.” The minister called for renewed international cooperation based on equity, knowledge sharing, access to strategic technologies and partnerships that enable each country to fully participate in this revolution. “By investing in knowledge and promoting our talents, we can make Africa and the developing world full players in the era of artificial intelligence. I thank you for your kind attention and reaffirm the DRC’s willingness to work with all partners present here to make artificial intelligence a driver of shared and sustainable progress,” she concluded.