As global powers race to dominate algorithmic advancement, Gabon has chosen a distinct path. During the UN-backed Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Mark Alexandre Doumba, Gabon’s Minister of Digital Economy, urged the international community to critically re-evaluate its approach. For Libreville, the priority isn’t creating the fastest technology, but rather developing tools that are genuinely accessible to all.
Addressing the tech giants, who often prioritize model size and computational power, the Gabonese minister introduced a transformative paradigm shift. “It’s not about being first in AI. It’s about widely deploying AI,” he asserted.
According to Minister Doumba, the current fervor overlooks a fundamental aspect. The true challenge is no longer technical; it is political and human: determining who will establish the essential institutions and regulations for responsible AI deployment. This perspective firmly places governance and ethical discernment at the forefront of discussions.
The rise of local impact and “small AI”
Gabon envisions the future of this technology transitioning from