African Development Bank and Intel Partner to Train Millions in AI for Africa’s Digital Future

The African Development Bank and technology giant Intel have joined forces to revolutionize the digital landscape in Africa. In a groundbreaking partnership, the two entities have committed to training 3 million Africans and 30,000 government officials in artificial intelligence (AI) skills, with the aim of fostering growth and productivity on the continent.

The agreement, which was formalized at the African Development Bank’s Annual Meetings in Nairobi, Kenya, marks a significant step towards equipping Africans with the necessary skills to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). By empowering individuals with AI expertise, the partnership seeks to position Africans as active contributors to the digital economy, rather than mere consumers.

Dr. Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Director of Government Affairs Africa and IGA CTO Liaison at Intel, expressed the company’s commitment to collaborating with African governments to make advanced technologies like AI accessible to all. By breaking down barriers related to geography, gender, and ethnicity, Intel aims to enable widespread participation in the digital economy, ultimately driving inclusive growth across the continent.

In addition to providing AI training, the partnership will also support African countries in developing harmonized policy and regulatory frameworks in key technological areas such as 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, data, and cloud computing. This holistic approach is designed to address socio-economic challenges and enhance productivity in critical sectors like agriculture, health, and education, thereby disrupting traditional growth cycles.

Ousmane Fall, Acting Director of Industrial and Trade Development at the African Development Bank, emphasized the importance of digital skills for Africa’s youth, particularly in light of the continent’s rapidly evolving technological landscape. With a projected youth population of 830 million by 2050, the need for scalable and rapid skills development is paramount. By partnering with Intel, the Bank is taking proactive steps to shape the digital future of Africa and empower its youth for success.

As Africa’s premier development finance institution, the African Development Bank Group is dedicated to driving economic development and social progress across the continent. With Intel’s industry-leading technology and expertise, this partnership holds immense promise for unlocking Africa’s digital potential and propelling its youth towards a brighter future.