AfDB Backs AI Training to Advance Africa’s Agenda 2063 Vision

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has announced its support for artificial intelligence (AI) training initiatives aimed at equipping Africans with the skills needed to accelerate the continent’s socio-economic transformation under the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The move reflects the bank’s growing focus on technology-driven development and its belief that AI can play a critical role in addressing Africa’s pressing challenges while unlocking new opportunities.

According to the AfDB, the training programmes will target young professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and researchers across member states, ensuring that AI knowledge is not limited to the tech industry but extends into key sectors such as agriculture, health, finance, energy, and education. By fostering widespread AI literacy, the bank aims to build a strong talent pipeline capable of driving innovation and ensuring Africa remains competitive in the global digital economy.

The AfDB noted that Africa’s digital transformation journey is still in its early stages, and without targeted investment in emerging technologies, the continent risks falling further behind in productivity and competitiveness. The AI training, it said, will focus on practical applications that can be deployed to solve local problems—such as using AI-powered analytics to predict crop yields, improve disease diagnosis, or enhance financial inclusion through smart credit scoring.

Speaking on the initiative, AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina stressed that technology is a critical enabler of the Agenda 2063 vision of “The Africa We Want.” He explained that AI’s potential to boost efficiency, optimise resource use, and create new industries aligns perfectly with the AU’s long-term development blueprint. “If Africa is to leapfrog in development, we must be at the forefront of harnessing technologies like AI. This means not just importing solutions but building our own AI capacity within the continent,” Adesina said.

The training programmes will be implemented in collaboration with universities, research institutions, and technology hubs, leveraging both local and international expertise. Participants will have access to online and in-person courses, mentorship opportunities, and innovation challenges designed to encourage the creation of homegrown AI solutions.

AfDB officials emphasised that gender inclusion will be a key pillar of the initiative, with a deliberate effort to ensure that women and girls are well-represented among trainees. This approach, they said, is essential to bridging the gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields while promoting equitable participation in Africa’s digital future.

In addition to technical skills, the bank intends to incorporate training on AI ethics, data privacy, and regulatory frameworks to ensure that innovation is aligned with societal values and legal protections. The AfDB believes that responsible AI development will be crucial to preventing potential misuse and ensuring public trust in technology.

Industry experts have welcomed the move, describing it as timely and strategic given the rapid growth of AI adoption globally. They noted that Africa’s youthful population, combined with rising internet penetration, positions the continent as a fertile ground for AI-driven solutions, provided that adequate skills and infrastructure are in place.

The AfDB has also indicated plans to establish AI research and development centres in strategic locations across Africa, which will serve as hubs for experimentation, collaboration, and the incubation of AI-based start-ups. These centres will work closely with governments and private sector partners to pilot solutions in real-world environments.

Agenda 2063, adopted by the African Union in 2013, outlines Africa’s aspirations for inclusive growth, sustainable development, and technological advancement over a 50-year period. AfDB’s investment in AI training is seen as a practical step toward achieving these goals, particularly in fostering economic diversification and resilience.

By integrating AI into core sectors, the bank hopes to not only improve service delivery but also create new value chains that can generate jobs and stimulate intra-African trade. This, in turn, could strengthen Africa’s position in global supply chains and reduce reliance on imported technologies.

As the initiative rolls out, the AfDB has called on governments, development partners, and the private sector to co-invest in AI infrastructure, data systems, and innovation ecosystems. The bank believes that sustained collaboration will be essential to scaling AI adoption and ensuring that its benefits reach all segments of society.

If successfully implemented, the AfDB-backed AI training programmes could mark a turning point in Africa’s technological trajectory, enabling the continent to harness cutting-edge innovation as a driver of prosperity and self-reliance in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.