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AfDB, UNDP launch $10bn AI 10 Billion Initiative to Drive Inclusive AI Growth and 40 Million Jobs in Africa.
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with private sector partners, have launched the AI 10 Billion Initiative. lA landmark continental programme, it is designed to accelerate responsible artificial intelligence (AI) adoption and inclusive digital growth across Africa.
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The initiative was officially unveiled at the Nairobi AI Forum 2026, held from 9–10 February in Kenya. It brought together policymakers, development partners and technology leaders to shape Africa’s AI future.
Mobilising $10bn to Create 40 Million Jobs by 2035
The AI 10 Billion Initiative aims to mobilise up to $10 billion in investment by 2035. It has the potential to generate as many as 40 million jobs across the continent. Funding will focus on strengthening Africa’s AI foundations. This will enable large-scale adoption through targeted investments in entrepreneurship, regional data infrastructure, policy frameworks and skills development.
Roadmap Anchored on Data, Skills and Trust
The programme is guided by AfDB’s 2025 report, Africa’s AI Productivity Gain: Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth and Inclusive Transformation. This report outlines a phased roadmap for AI readiness built on five core enablers: data, computing power, skills, trust and capital.
All these priorities echoed key discussions at the Nairobi AI Forum. The experts emphasised the need for ethical AI governance, interoperable data ecosystems and large-scale workforce upskilling to ensure inclusive benefits.
AfDB, UNDP Reaffirm Commitment to Africa’s AI Future
Speaking at the launch, Nicholas Williams, ICT Operations Division Manager at AfDB, said the Bank was committed to ensuring Africa is not left behind in the global AI revolution. He noted that the initiative would deepen partnerships, unlock long-term investment and support AI-driven entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth.
Also speaking, Jean-Luc Stalon, UNDP Resident Representative in Kenya, highlighted UNDP’s focus on private sector–led AI partnerships that create jobs and improve livelihoods at the community level.
High-Level Global Support and Next Steps
The announcement was made during a high-level panel featuring representatives from the governments of Italy and Kenya. Other stakeholders are the European Union, UNDP and AfDB, underscoring strong international backing for Africa’s AI ambitions.
As part of implementation, AfDB plans to embark on a continent-wide roadshow over the next 10 months. It plans to engage governments, private sector players and development partners, with the goal of forging new collaborations and accelerating project delivery.
Unlocking a $1 Trillion GDP Opportunity
The AI 10 Billion Initiative marks a significant milestone in AfDB’s broader AI agenda. It has the potential to unlock an estimated $1 trillion increase in Africa’s GDP by 2035. This partnership is positioning the continent as a competitive and responsible player in the global AI economy.
