THE African Development Bank (AfDB) and technology giant Intel have formalised their cooperation to revolutionise the African digital ecosystem. This partnership aims to equip 3 million Africans and 30,000 government officials with artificial intelligence (AI) skills.
The agreement was sealed at the recent African Development Bank’s Annual Meetings in Nairobi, Kenya. The initiative will develop a critical mass of Africans proficient in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills, driving growth, productivity, and positioning Africans as contributors to, rather than just consumers of, 4IR technologies. This training will address socio-economic challenges and boost productivity in key sectors such as agriculture, health, and education, thus disrupting traditional growth cycles.
Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Director of Government Affairs Africa and IGA CTO Liaison at Intel, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration: ‘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.’
The partnership will also aid African countries, regional economic communities, and continental organisations in developing harmonised policy and regulatory frameworks in AI, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, data, and cloud technologies.
Ousmane Fall, AfDB’s Acting Director of Industrial and Trade Development, highlighted the significance of digital skills for Africa’s burgeoning youth population. ‘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,’ Fall stated. ‘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.’
This collaboration marks a significant step in enhancing Africa’s digital landscape, promising to equip millions with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly advancing technological world.
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