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The African Development Bank (AfDB) and technology giant Intel have forged a groundbreaking partnership to revolutionize the African digital ecosystem by equipping 3 million Africans and 30,000 government officials with artificial intelligence (AI) skills.
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The partnership, formalized during the African Development Bank’s Annual Meetings in Nairobi, Kenya, aims to develop a critical mass of Africans proficient in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills. This initiative is expected to accelerate growth, boost productivity, and enable Africans to become active contributors to 4IR advancements rather than mere consumers. The training programs will tackle socio-economic challenges and enhance productivity in crucial sectors such as agriculture, health, and education, thereby disrupting traditional growth cycles.
Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Intel’s Director of Government Affairs Africa and IGA CTO Liaison, expressed excitement about the collaboration. “Intel looks forward to furthering its collaboration with African governments to make advanced technologies such as AI accessible to all. This initiative will break down barriers related to geography, gender, and ethnicity, enabling widespread participation in the digital economy,” he said.
The partnership will also aid African countries, regional economic communities, and continental organizations in developing harmonized policy and regulatory frameworks for AI, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, data, and cloud services.
Ousmane Fall, AfDB’s Acting Director of Industrial and Trade Development, emphasized the critical need for digital skills among Africa’s youth. “With advancements in digital technology, our world is rapidly evolving, and so is our youthful population, projected to reach 830 million by 2050. To develop skills on a large scale and at the necessary speed, we need everyone’s cooperation,” he stated. “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 positioning Africa at the forefront of the digital revolution, ensuring that the continent’s future is driven by innovation and inclusivity.
