African Development Bank Launches Free AI Training for Public Officials Across Africa

The African Development Bank Group,  together with UNDP  AI Hub for Sustainable Development, Google  and Apolitical, has launched, a free training programme to help public officials across Africa understand and use artificial intelligence (AI) in their work. The programme was launched on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Under Apolitical’s Government AI Campus initiative, participants will gain access to courses including 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. Trainings have been developed by Stanford University Online and SDA Bocconi School of Management. Google and Apolitical are providing the learning platform and content.

The AI Hub for Sustainable Development is a G7-endorsed initiative co-led by UNDP and Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy, and which aligns with the Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa. The African Development Bank Group is a founding member of the AI Hub’s Executive Steering Group.

“AI is changing how we work. It promises major productivity gains if users fully understand its application. Building that understanding in government has been neglected and this partnership helps us put that right.”

– Ousmane Fall, Director for Industrial and Trade Development, African Development Bank Group

The training is the first step in putting into practice the recommendations from a Bank Group report, Africa’s AI Productivity Gain: Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth and Inclusive Transformation, which projected that inclusive AI deployment could add up to $1 trillion to Africa’s gross domestic product by 2035, and identified skills and trusted governance among the five enablers needed to realise those gains.

“As the AI landscape continues to evolve, governments across Africa need timely support to strengthen the institutional and technical foundations required to participate meaningfully in the AI economy.”

– Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Director, AI Hub for Sustainable Development and Head of Digital & AI Programmes, UNDP

Learning on the platform is self-paced. Enrolment is open and free of charge to serving government officials and public servants in the Bank’s regional member countries who are working on AI in public service delivery, digital infrastructure, public-private partnerships or innovation.