On 19 October 2024, Ecobank Cameroon celebrated “Ecobank Day” under the theme “Transforming Africa through Education: Boosting Learning with AI”. The day was marked by a panel discussion bringing together experts, government officials and students, highlighting the potential of artificial intelligence in education.
In her opening remarks, Gwendoline Abunaw, Managing Director of Ecobank Cameroon, highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence in contemporary education. She explained that this technology offers unprecedented opportunities to personalize learning, adapting to the specific needs of each student. The experts present demonstrated that AI can identify gaps in students’ knowledge, allowing them to receive tailor-made teaching.
The conference provided a key platform for education and information technology stakeholders in Cameroon. Representatives from the Ministries of Education and Telecommunications, as well as technology specialists, discussed best practices and challenges related to the integration of AI into the educational process. Gwendoline Abunaw encouraged participants to imagine a future where each student would benefit from personalized support, thus creating stronger bonds with teachers.
Ecobank engineers led hands-on workshops to illustrate how AI can be integrated into teaching methods. These activities allowed participants to discover real-world applications of artificial intelligence, making the technology accessible and understandable. Guided tours of the exhibition stands also enriched the experience of the students present.
Although AI promises to transform the educational landscape, challenges remain. Speakers stressed the importance of ensuring equitable access to technology, especially for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Dr. Dzounesse Bruno, UNESCO education specialist, stressed the need to train teachers in new teaching methods to optimize learning and access diverse educational resources.
Gwendoline Abunaw also spoke about the need for a clear policy framework to guide the use of artificial intelligence in Cameroon, while highlighting the risks of unethical use. This speech resonated with the aspirations of many participants, who want to see AI play a positive role in education and skills development among Cameroonian youth.
The Ecobank Day celebration proved to be a bold and inspiring initiative, highlighting the importance of AI in education. Speakers shared their vision of a future where every child, regardless of background, would have access to quality education, supported by technology. The day not only reinforced Ecobank’s commitment to education, but also paved the way for a collective reflection on the role of artificial intelligence in Cameroon’s education system.
