The African Development Bank (AfDB) and technology giant Intel have cemented a groundbreaking partnership to revolutionize the African digital landscape. Announced at the recent AfDB Annual Meetings in Nairobi, Kenya, this collaboration aims to equip 3 million Africans and 30,000 government officials with vital artificial intelligence (AI) skills.
The partnership is designed to build a critical mass of Africans proficient in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills, accelerating growth and productivity across the continent. By focusing on AI, the initiative seeks to position Africans as key contributors, rather than mere consumers, of 4IR technologies. This strategic training initiative will address socio-economic challenges and enhance productivity in pivotal sectors such as agriculture, health, and education, disrupting traditional growth cycles and fostering innovation.
Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Intel’s Director of Government Affairs Africa and IGA CTO Liaison, emphasized the company’s commitment to inclusivity. “Intel looks forward to furthering its collaboration with African governments to make advanced technologies such as AI accessible to all, breaking down barriers related to geography, gender, and ethnicity, and enabling widespread participation in the digital economy,” Soglo stated.
Beyond skill development, the partnership will also aid African countries, regional economic communities, and continental organizations in creating harmonized policy and regulatory frameworks. These frameworks will focus on AI, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, data, and cloud technologies, ensuring a cohesive and forward-thinking approach to digital development.
Ousmane Fall, AfDB’s Acting Director of Industrial and Trade Development, highlighted the critical role of digital skills in empowering 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 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.”
