The African Development Bank (AfDB) and technology giant Intel have joined forces to transform Africa’s digital ecosystem through a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping millions with artificial intelligence (AI) skills. This partnership is set to address socio-economic challenges and boost productivity in key sectors such as agriculture, health, and education, thereby disrupting traditional growth cycles and paving the way for sustainable development.

Sealed during the recent AfDB Annual Meetings in Nairobi, Kenya, this collaboration aims to train 3 million Africans and 30,000 government officials in AI. The initiative seeks to create a critical mass of individuals proficient in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills, positioning Africans as contributors rather than mere consumers of technological advancements.

Intel’s Director of Government Affairs Africa, Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, emphasized the company’s commitment to making advanced technologies like AI accessible to all. “Intel looks forward to furthering its collaboration with African governments to break down barriers related to geography, gender, and ethnicity, and enable widespread participation in the digital economy,” he stated.

The partnership also includes support for developing harmonized policy and regulatory frameworks in AI, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, data, and cloud technologies across African countries, regional economic communities, and continental organizations. This effort is aimed at fostering a cohesive and robust digital infrastructure.

Ousmane Fall, AfDB’s Acting Director of Industrial and Trade Development, underscored the importance of digital skills for Africa’s youth, noting the rapid advancements in digital technology and the continent’s burgeoning youthful population, projected to reach 830 million by 2050. “With advancements in digital technology, our world is rapidly evolving, and so is our youthful population. To develop skills on a large scale and at the necessary speed, we need everyone’s cooperation,” he said. “The Bank is thrilled to collaborate with Intel to work towards this shared commitment. Together, we are shaping the digital future of Africa and empowering our youth.”

This initiative marks a significant step towards a digitally empowered Africa, capable of leveraging AI to overcome socio-economic challenges and drive sustainable growth. Through this partnership, the AfDB and Intel are not only investing in the continent’s future but also ensuring that Africa remains at the forefront of the global digital revolution.