The African Development Bank (AfDB), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) AI Hub for Sustainable Development, Google and Apolitical have launched free artificial intelligence training for public servants across Africa.
The programme, launched on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, is designed to strengthen government officials’ understanding and practical use of artificial intelligence.
According to the AfDB, the training is being delivered under Apolitical’s Government AI Campus initiative, with courses covering AI fundamentals, leadership and the use of AI to improve public procurement.
The courses also address the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence, strategies for responsible adoption, trust-building and the development of innovative workplace cultures.
The training content was developed by Stanford University Online and SDA Bocconi School of Management, while Google and Apolitical provide the learning platform.
Speaking on the initiative, AfDB Director for Industrial and Trade Development, Ousmane Fall, said artificial intelligence could deliver significant productivity gains if users understood how to apply the technology effectively.
“AI is changing how we work. It promises major productivity gains if users fully understand its application,” he said.
Fall said the understanding of AI within government had been neglected, adding that the partnership would help address the gap.
He said the training represented the first step in implementing recommendations contained in an AfDB report on AI productivity gains and inclusive economic transformation.
According to him, the report projects that inclusive deployment of AI could add up to $1 trillion to Africa’s gross domestic product by 2035.
He added that the report identified skills and trusted governance among five key enablers required for Africa to realise the potential benefits of artificial intelligence.
The Director of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development and UNDP Head of Digital and AI Programmes, Keyzom Massally, said African governments needed timely support as the AI landscape continued to evolve.
She said the support was necessary to strengthen the institutional and technical foundations required for African governments to participate meaningfully in the AI economy.
Massally explained that the AI Hub for Sustainable Development is a G7-endorsed initiative co-led by the UNDP and Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.
She said the initiative aligned with Italy’s Mattei Plan for Africa, while the AfDB is a founding member of its Executive Steering Group.
The training is self-paced, with enrolment open and free to serving government officials and public servants in AfDB regional member countries.
Eligible participants include officials working in areas such as AI-enabled public service delivery, digital infrastructure, public-private partnerships and innovation.
