ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE : AfDB Targets AI to Create Millions of Jobs in Africa
La voix des entreprises 
(LVDE) — Facing the rapid rise of digital technologies, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have unveiled an ambitious initiative aimed at accelerating the adoption of artificial intelligence across the continent. During the Nairobi AI Forum 2026, it was announced that a $10 billion fund would be mobilized by 2035 to stimulate innovation and generate millions of employment opportunities.
In Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, on February 9 and 10, 2026, African policymakers, development institutions, private sector actors and technology experts gathered around a shared goal : making artificial intelligence (AI) a key driver of inclusive growth in Africa. It was within this framework that the “$10 Billion AI Initiative” was officially launched, as part of a strategic partnership between the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and several private partners.
This initiative, widely welcomed as a turning point for the continent’s technological future, aims to mobilize up to $10 billion by 2035. These resources will be invested in areas considered essential to the AI ecosystem, including entrepreneurship support, development of data infrastructure and computing capacity, specialized skills training, and the creation of appropriate policy frameworks.
According to project promoters, the goal is to create up to 40 million new jobs through the responsible and inclusive adoption of smart technologies across the continent. This outlook is particularly significant in a context where Africa, despite its young population — with a median age below 20 — continues to face a structural shortage of formal employment opportunities.
During the Nairobi forum, speakers emphasized that large-scale AI adoption should not be limited to a technological revolution. It must be ethical, transparent and adapted to local realities, while delivering tangible benefits to populations. The UNDP representative in Kenya stressed the importance of partnerships with the private sector to transform AI potential into real jobs and improved living conditions.
The funds raised are also expected to strengthen the continent’s digital infrastructure, promote the creation of innovative startups, and accelerate access to specialized training for young Africans. An AfDB report published in 2025, *Africa’s AI Productivity Gain*, had already shown that AI could become a major productivity lever, provided the region invests in key pillars such as data, computing power, skills, trust, and access to capital.
The AfDB further estimates that this initiative could generate up to $1 trillion in additional African GDP by 2035, provided AI adoption is supported by favorable policies and integration of innovation into key sectors such as agriculture, health and finance.
However, challenges remain, particularly regarding digital infrastructure, data access and training. Despite the strong mobilization and expertise gathered, the success of this ambitious plan will also depend on the ability of governments, investors and local stakeholders to collaborate effectively and translate this vision into concrete projects on the ground.
Sorelle Ninguem
À propos de l'auteur
