Rose Pola Pricemou : “Artificial Intelligence and digital technologies will transform Guinea’s ecosystem”

Madam Minister, what role does digital technology play in Guinea’s socio-economic transformation program, particularly regarding the Simandou mining project?

“The Simandou 2040 program was designed to transform our socio-economic ecosystem, with Axis 3 focusing on technology. Digital technology, as a cross-cutting element, can support every sector, whether energy, infrastructure, industry, education, or culture.”

In this regard, the Transform Africa Summit served as a showcase for this program. What concrete results do you expect from this summit and international cooperation?

“Hosting such a summit is a source of pride for us: it recognizes Guinea’s efforts and its position on the international stage. Welcoming researchers, heads of institutions, and heads of state is both magical and celebratory: it is an opportunity to accelerate progress and demonstrate that we can move quickly with our partners.
We presented projects, and several investors expressed interest. Guinea alone cannot achieve everything; we need partners to support this change and show that our trajectory leads to a promising destination.”

What is the current state of Guinea’s digital ecosystem?

“The ecosystem already exists, with startups having a real social impact and initiatives for regional integration and digital backbone development. Today, our ambition is even greater: to increase the contribution of digital technology to GDP and develop local skills.”

You mentioned support for startups. What kinds of initiatives are being implemented?

“We want to nurture the startup ecosystem. During the Grand Prix, we received over 300 applications. Among them, 10 winners will receive financial and technical support. Last year, 4 winners were recognized internationally at the World Summit on the Information Society in Geneva. Others were awarded in Huawei’s global competition. These successes show that we are creating value and that the world recognizes our work.”

Guinea has launched several parallel projects to achieve these ambitions. Some achievements have already been made, particularly in terms of accessibility…

“We are investing in backbones, digital learning centers, and reforming the education system at all levels. Even children in kindergarten are introduced to computing. For those without access to school, we offer digital training, focusing on content creation in our languages and cultures. For example, through the national R-Cun program, we trained 300 women in digital skills: they learned to manage packaging, order, and sell online from home, thus creating local economic value. This year, we aim to reach 1,500 women in collaboration with empowerment centers.

We demonstrate our ambition through a solid legal and institutional framework, including data protection and laws governing the ecosystem. We are implementing fiscal incentives and tech hubs, such as the 20-hectare Symphonia project, to create an investment-friendly environment. We are also revising the investment code with a focus on digital technology and the Startup Act to make our country more attractive.”

Finally, what does African AI mean to you, and how is Guinea preparing for it?

“African AI means creating solutions adapted to our needs, with local research complying with international standards. We are already developing AI in Guinea, within public administration and at the City of Sciences. This allows us to create talent that will strengthen Guinea’s and Africa’s AI ecosystem. We are ready and determined to pursue this ambition.”