BAD/Intel: Train Millions of Africans in AI
The African Development Bank (BAD) and the tech giant Intel have formalized their cooperation to transform the African digital ecosystem. The partnership aims to equip 3 million Africans and 30 government officials with Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills.
The training will address socioeconomic challenges and increase productivity in key growth sectors such as agriculture, health, and education, thereby disrupting traditional growth cycles.
African Digital Future
Sealed at the recent AfDB Annual Meetings in Nairobi, Kenya, the agreement will help create a critical mass of Africans proficient in Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) skills to accelerate growth and productivity and position Africans as contributors, not just consumers, of the 4IR.
The training will address socioeconomic challenges and increase productivity in key growth sectors such as agriculture, health, and education, thereby disrupting traditional growth cycles.
Bienvenu Agbokponto Soglo, Director of Africa Government Affairs and CTO Liaison at Intel, stated:
"Intel looks forward to furthering its collaboration with African governments to make advanced technologies like AI accessible to all, breaking down barriers related to geography, gender, and ethnicity and enabling broad participation in the digital economy."
Ousmane Fall, Acting Director of Industrial and Commercial Development at the AfDB, highlighted the importance of digital skills for African youth, stating:
“With advances in digital technology, our world is evolving rapidly, as is our young population, which is expected to reach 830 million people by 2050.”
“To develop skills on a large scale and at the necessary speed, we need everyone’s cooperation.”
“The AfDB is excited to partner with Intel to work towards this shared commitment.”
“Together, we are shaping Africa's digital future and empowering our young people,” he added.
The partnership will also support African countries, regional economic communities, and continental organizations in developing harmonized policies and regulatory frameworks in AI, 5G, Wi-Fi 6E, data, and the cloud.
About BAD
The AfDB Group is Africa's leading development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF), and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). Present in 44 African countries and with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and social progress of its 54 regional member states.
About Intel
Intel (Nasdaq: INTC) is a technology leader, creating world-changing technologies that enable global progress and enrich human lives. Inspired by Moore's Law, they continually advance the design and development of semiconductors to help address today's greatest challenges.
By embedding artificial intelligence in the cloud, on the network, at the edge, and in every computing device, they unlock the potential of data to transform business and society for the better.
Conclusion
This strategic partnership between the AfDB and Intel represents a significant step toward digital transformation in Africa. By fostering Fourth Industrial Revolution skills, we will not only increase productivity and growth in key sectors but also create a solid foundation for sustainable and inclusive development.
The commitment of both institutions to work together to harmonize policies and develop technological infrastructure will ensure that Africa not only keeps pace with, but also leads, global technological progress. Training a new generation of Africans skilled in advanced technologies is crucial to ensuring the continent is well-positioned to face future challenges and seize emerging opportunities.
Picture: © 2024 AfDB
