The African Development Bank, in its efforts to support African countries in their digital transformation process, is entering into various strategic agreements.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and U.S. tech giant Intel have joined forces to equip 3 million Africans and 30,000 civil servants with artificial intelligence (AI) skills, according to a press release issued on June 7. The partnership was finalized during the recent AfDB Annual Meetings in Nairobi.

"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," said Ousmane Fall, Acting Director of Industrial and Trade Development at the AfDB. (Photo, Right)

"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," Fall added. 

Acquiring digital skills has become essential with the ongoing technological revolution worldwide. African countries are not left out of this revolution, and with the support of various institutions such as the AfDB, numerous projects are being implemented. In May 2024, the AfDB partnered with the American company Mastercard to implement the MADE (Mobilising Access to the Digital Economy) initiative, which aims to provide digital access to 100 million African people and businesses over the next decade.

This new initiative will, among other things, accelerate growth and productivity by positioning Africans as active contributors to the fourth industrial revolution in key sectors such as agriculture, health, and education, thereby disrupting traditional growth cycles.

Adoni Conrad Quenum