The African Development Bank Group (AfDB), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) AI Hub for Sustainable Development, Google and Apolitical, has launched a free artificial intelligence training programme for public officials across Africa.
The programme was launched on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and is designed to help government officials understand how artificial intelligence can be applied in public-sector work.
The training will be delivered through Apolitical’s Government AI Campus and will be self-paced, allowing eligible participants to complete the courses according to their schedules. Enrolment is open and free to serving government officials and public servants in AfDB regional member countries.
Courses cover AI and government
The programme includes courses on AI fundamentals for public servants, AI leadership in government and smarter procurement using AI.
The courses examine the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence while also focusing on public trust, institutional skills, innovation and the responsible use of AI in government procurement.
The training content was developed by Stanford University Online and SDA Bocconi School of Management, while Google and Apolitical are providing the learning platform and content.
According to the AfDB, eligible officials include those working in areas such as AI-powered public service delivery, digital infrastructure, public-private partnerships and innovation.
AfDB highlights economic potential
Ousmane Fall, AfDB’s Director for Industrial and Trade Development, said artificial intelligence was changing the way people work and could provide significant productivity gains when properly understood and applied.
He said strengthening AI knowledge within government was important as African countries increasingly adopt digital technologies.
The programme is also linked to recommendations contained in an AfDB report titled “Africa’s AI Productivity Gain: Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth and Inclusive Transformation.”
The report projects that inclusive deployment of AI could add up to $1 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2035. It identifies skills and trusted governance among the factors needed for African countries to achieve potential productivity gains from AI.
Focus on digital transformation
Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Director of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development and UNDP Head of Digital and AI Programmes, said African governments need support to strengthen the institutional and technical foundations required to participate in the emerging AI economy.
The AI Hub for Sustainable Development is a G7-endorsed initiative co-led by UNDP and Italy’s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. The AfDB is a founding member of the Hub’s Executive Steering Group.
The partnership comes as governments across Africa face growing pressure to develop digital skills, improve public services and understand the opportunities and risks associated with rapidly developing AI technologies.
For public officials who qualify, the programme provides access to structured training without tuition fees, with the courses designed to help participants understand AI and its potential applications in government.
