Smart Africa and iSheero Join Forces to Propel AI Development Across Africa

The Smart Africa Secretariat and iSheero, an initiative of experts for the promotion of Artificial Intelligence have signed a two-year agreement aimed to catalyze Artificial Intelligence (AI) development in Africa.

Under this agreement, both parties will specifically collaborate to facilitate access to AI education, support innovation and research, and promote the ethical and inclusive adoption of AI to address the continent’s socio-economic challenges.

The parties will engage in a range of activities that include:

• Collaborate on capacity-building initiatives designed for policymakers, enabling them to harness the transformative potential of AI for the benefit of all citizens and to achieve the goal of a single digital market.
• Co-organize training courses and transfer expertise on educational opportunities in AI, aimed at equipping young Africans with the skills they need to participate actively in the global digital economy through targeted training programs
• Collaborate in setting up national and regional observatories specializing in AI issues.

Building capacity to enhance the skills of African citizens, ensuring they can fully benefit from the digital revolution, is a cornerstone of our mission to drive the continent’s digital transformation. We have already made significant progress through the Smart Africa Digital Academy (SADA), and partnering with iSheero further strengthens our efforts and adds momentum to our mission.

Lacina Koné, CEO, Smart Africa

Through SADA, Smart Africa has trained over 10000 Africans, primarily policymakers and decision-makers, in various emerging technology fields, including Artificial Intelligence.

We are honored to partner with Smart Africa to advance our shared mission of empowering African citizens through digital skills. At iSheero, we are deeply committed to creating equitable access to AI education and fostering innovation across the continent. This partnership marks a crucial step in our vision of making AI education and technology accessible to all. By combining the efforts of iSheero and the Smart Africa Digital Academy, we aim to not only develop world-class talent but also to ensure that Africa plays a leading role in the global digital revolution. Together, we are driving sustainable growth and ensuring that the benefits of the digital age are widely and inclusively shared.

Aristide ADJINACOU, President, iSheero