The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) launched the programme with the United Nations (UN) Development Programme AI Hub for Sustainable Development, Google and Apolitical on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
The self-paced courses will be available through Apolitical’s Government AI Campus.
Training will cover the fundamentals of AI, opportunities and risks for public institutions, government leadership, public trust, institutional skills and the use of AI in procurement.
Stanford University Online and the SDA Bocconi School of Management developed the courses. Google and Apolitical are providing the learning platform and content. “AI is changing how we work. It promises major productivity gains if users fully understand its application,” AfDB Industrial and Trade Development Department Director Ousmane Fall said.
“Building that understanding in government has been neglected, and this partnership helps us put that right.”
The initiative follows recommendations contained in an AfDB report on AI and productivity in Africa.
The report estimated that inclusive deployment of AI could add as much as $1 trillion to Africa’s gross domestic product by 2035.
Skills and trusted governance were identified among five requirements for achieving those economic gains.
The AI Hub for Sustainable Development is backed by the Group of Seven and jointly led by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.
AfDB is a founding member of the Hub’s Executive Steering Group. The initiative also aligns with Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa.
“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,” AI Hub for Sustainable Development Director and UNDP Head of Digital and AI Programmes Keyzom Ngodup Massally said.
Enrolment is open and free to serving government officials and public servants in AfDB regional member countries.
–AfDB/ChannelAfrica–
