The African Development Bank Group has introduced a free course for African government staff to learn how to apply artificial intelligence (AI) in their jobs. This effort, announced during the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, is a collaboration with the UNDP AI Hub for Sustainable Development, Google, and Apolitical.
Through Apolitical’s Government AI Campus, attendees can access various lessons, such as ‘AI Fundamentals for Public Servants’ and ‘AI Leadership in Government.’ These modules were created by Stanford University Online and SDA Bocconi School of Management.
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 African Development Bank Group is a founding member of the AI Hub’s Executive Steering Group.
Ousmane Fall, the Bank Group’s Director for Industrial and Trade Development, stated, ‘AI is changing how we work. It promises major productivity gains if users fully understand its application. Building that understanding in government has been neglected and this partnership helps us put that right,’
Read Also: Nigerian Cybersecurity Startup Aeon Raises $1 Million
The training is the first step in putting into practice the recommendations from a Bank Group report, which projected that inclusive AI deployment could add up to $1 trillion to Africa’s gross domestic product by 2035.
Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Director of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development and UNDP Head of Digital & AI Programmes, said, “As the AI environment continues to evolve, governments across Africa need timely support to strengthen the institutional and technical foundations required to participate meaningfully in the AI economy.”
The platform allows for self-directed study. Registration is free and open to serving government employees and public servants from the Bank’s regional member countries focusing on AI for public service delivery, digital infrastructure, public-private partnerships, or innovation.
Registration is free and open to serving government employees and public servants from the Bank’s regional member countries, who can access the courses and training materials online.
