The continent is ramping up responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI)..

The AfDB and the United Nations Development Programme have launched the AI 10 Billion Initiative, which aims to accelerate the responsible adoption of AI and inclusive digital economic growth across Africa.

Africa Business Communities reports that the two organisations are working with the private sector to unlock up to 40 million new jobs in 10 years, pumping US$1 trillion the continent’s GDP.

The jobs will range across sectors from entrepreneurship and regional data infrastructure to policy frameworks and skills development.

‘The AI 10 Billion Initiative paves the way for expanded partnerships and sustained investment that will accelerate AI entrepreneurship, strengthen data and infrastructure ecosystems, and support inclusive growth across the continent,’ Nicholas Williams, the AfDB’s ICT operations division manager, said at the launch at the Nairobi AI Forum 2026 in February.

Th AfDB will embark on a roadshow over the next 10 months, to drum up support for the initiative from the private sector, governments and the development sector.

3 March 2026
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