The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched a transformative initiative to expand artificial intelligence (AI) adoption across Africa, aiming to drive inclusive economic growth and create employment opportunities.
Unveiled at the Nairobi AI Forum 2026, held from February 9-10 in Kenya, the AI 10 Billion Initiative brought together government officials, technology leaders, investors, and development partners to explore the continent’s AI potential and chart strategies for its responsible deployment.
The program is a collaboration between AfDB, UNDP, and private sector partners, with a target of raising up to US $10 billion by 2035. Funding will be directed toward key areas that support AI adoption, including entrepreneurship, data infrastructure, skills development, and policy frameworks designed to foster innovation and growth.
The initiative aims to generate up to 40 million new jobs across Africa by 2035, reflecting a strategic focus on leveraging AI not just for technological advancement but for broad-based social and economic development. Organizers emphasized that the plan responds to calls for AI systems that are trustworthy, locally relevant, and aligned with inclusive development objectives highlighted during the Nairobi forum.
