The African Development Bank and technology giant Intel have formalized their cooperation to transform the African digital ecosystem. The partnership aims to equip three million Africans and 30,000 civil servants with artificial intelligence (AI) skills.

Sealed at the recent Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank in Nairobi, Kenya, the agreement will help create a critical mass of Africans mastering the skills of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) to accelerate growth and productivity and to position Africans as contributors, and not simple consumers, of the 4IR. The training will address socio-economic challenges and boost productivity in key sectors for growth such as agriculture, health and education, thereby disrupting traditional growth cycles.

“  Intel looks forward to continuing its collaboration with African governments to make advanced technologies like AI accessible to all, breaking down barriers of geography, gender and ethnicity, and enabling widespread participation to the digital economy  ,” said Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Director of Government Affairs for Africa and Intel IGA CTO Liaison. 

The partnership will also help African countries, regional economic communities and continental organizations develop harmonized policy and regulatory frameworks on AI, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, data and cloud computing.

Ousmane Fall, Acting Director of Industrial and Commercial Development at the African Development Bank, highlighted the importance of digital skills for African youth.

“  With advances in digital technology, our world is changing rapidly, and so are our youth, which is expected to reach 830 million by 2050. To develop skills at scale and at the speed needed, we need cooperation from all  ,” he said. 

“  The Bank is pleased to collaborate with Intel to work towards achieving this shared commitment. Together, we are shaping Africa’s digital future and empowering our youth  ,” added Mr. Fall.

Source: Agency EcoFin