The initiative was unveiled during the Nairobi AI Forum 2026, held on February 9-10 in Kenya, where governments, private sector leaders and global development partners gathered to shape Africa’s AI trajectory.
The AI 10 Billion Initiative is a co‑designed partnership between the AfDB, UNDP and private sector actors aiming to mobilise up to $10 billion by 2035. The funding will support AI‑driven transformation across sectors, helping to unlock as many as 40 million new jobs over the next decade. Investments will focus on strengthening data systems, computing capacity, digital skills, ethical governance, entrepreneurship and regional infrastructure.
The initiative builds on the Bank’s June 2025 report, Africa’s AI Productivity Gain, which sets out a three‑phase roadmap towards continental AI readiness. It identifies five foundational enablers that underpin successful AI adoption: data, compute, skills, trust and capital.
Discussions at the Nairobi forum reinforced the need for interoperable data ecosystems, investment mobilisation, strong regulatory frameworks and large‑scale workforce upskilling to support AI‑driven growth.
During a high‑level panel at the forum, representatives from Italy, Kenya, the European Union, UNDP and the Bank voiced support for the initiative. Nicholas Williams, Information and Communication Technology Operations Division Manager at the Bank, said the institution is committed to ensuring Africa is not left behind in the AI era. He said the initiative would expand partnerships and investment to boost AI entrepreneurship, strengthen digital infrastructure and advance inclusive growth.
Jean‑Luc Stalon, UNDP Resident Representative in Kenya, emphasised UNDP’s role in shaping private‑sector‑driven AI solutions that create jobs and improve livelihoods.
The AI 10 Billion Initiative marks the AfDB’s most ambitious step yet in advancing Africa’s digital future and could contribute to unlocking an estimated one trillion dollars in additional gross domestic product by 2035. To advance the initiative, the AfDB will embark on a 10‑month roadshow to engage governments, investors and development partners in forging new collaboration opportunities.
–AfDB/ChannelAfrica–
