AfDB supports AI skills for Africa’s digital future

By Vriti Gothi

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has taken a major step forward in driving Africa’s digital transformation journey, supporting a landmark Artificial Intelligence (AI) training initiative designed to accelerate the implementation of the continent’s long-term growth strategy, Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

Through its Joint Secretariat Support Office (JSSO), the Bank provided both technical and financial support for the 5th Annual Training Workshop for African Union Member States, equipping policymakers and practitioners with the knowledge to leverage AI and advanced digital tools for results-driven monitoring, evaluation, and reporting under the Second Ten-Year Plan of Agenda 2063 (2024–2033).

The five-day programme, held in Lusaka, Zambia, was co-hosted by the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF). Delegates representing AU Member States engaged in intensive hands-on sessions with cutting-edge AI platforms such as Ailyse, ChatGPT, Google AI Studio, Google Gemini, and Perplexity. The training focused on embedding AI-driven insights into data analytics, enabling evidence-based policymaking, and enhancing accountability in the execution of national and continental priorities.

This strategic investment underscores the Bank’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity and embedding technology into Africa’s development agenda. By building expertise in AI-enabled solutions, the AfDB and its partners aim to support governments in optimising policy interventions, improving resource allocation, and accelerating delivery of transformative outcomes under Agenda 2063.

Beyond technical training, the workshop served as a pan-African knowledge exchange platform, fostering peer learning among participating countries. Delegates shared innovative practices in digital monitoring frameworks, aligning national development strategies with the continental vision.

By advancing AI-driven monitoring and results-based planning, the AfDB is reinforcing its role as a leading partner in Africa’s digital transformation and future-ready governance.