The African Development Bank Group, in collaboration with the UNDP AI Hub for Sustainable Development, Google, and Apolitical, has introduced a free training program aimed at enhancing the understanding and application of artificial intelligence (AI) among public officials across Africa. This initiative was launched on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The program is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills in AI.
The training program, offered under Apolitical’s Government AI Campus initiative, includes courses such as AI Fundamentals for Public Servants: Opportunities, Risks and Strategies, AI Leadership in Government: Building Trust, Skills and an Innovative Culture, and Smarter Procurement with AI. These courses have been developed by reputable institutions, Stanford University Online and SDA Bocconi School of Management. The learning platform and content are being provided by Google and Apolitical, ensuring a comprehensive and accessible learning experience.
The AI Hub for Sustainable Development, a G7-endorsed initiative co-led by UNDP and Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, aligns with Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa. The African Development Bank Group is a founding member of the AI Hub’s Executive Steering Group, underscoring its commitment to leveraging AI for sustainable development in Africa. This partnership reflects a concerted effort to harness AI for the continent’s economic growth and inclusive transformation.
Ousmane Fall, the Bank Group’s Director for Industrial and Trade Development, emphasized the significance of AI in changing how work is conducted and its potential for major productivity gains. He noted that building understanding of AI in government has been neglected and that this partnership aims to address this gap. The training program is a practical step towards realizing the recommendations from a Bank Group report on Africa’s AI productivity gains.
The report, Africa’s AI Productivity Gain: Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth and Inclusive Transformation, projects that inclusive AI deployment could add up to $1 trillion to Africa’s gross domestic product by 2035. It identifies skills and trusted governance among the five enablers needed to realize these gains. Therefore, the training program is crucial in strengthening the institutional and technical foundations required for Africa to participate meaningfully in the AI economy.
Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Director of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development and UNDP Head of Digital & AI Programmes, highlighted the evolving AI landscape and the need for governments across Africa to have timely support. This support is essential for strengthening the institutional and technical foundations necessary for participating in the AI economy. The collaboration between the African Development Bank Group and other partners is a step in the right direction.
The launch of this AI training program marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey towards harnessing the potential of AI for economic growth and development. By equipping public officials with the knowledge and skills needed to leverage AI effectively, the program aims to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future for the continent. As AI continues to evolve, such initiatives will be crucial in ensuring that Africa remains at the forefront of technological advancements.
Key points
- The African Development Bank Group has partnered with UNDP AI Hub, Google, and Apolitical to launch a free AI training program for African public officials.
- The program includes courses developed by Stanford University Online and SDA Bocconi School of Management.
- The initiative aims to add up to $1 trillion to Africa’s gross domestic product by 2035 through inclusive AI deployment.
