The African Development Bank Group and the United Nations Development Programme have launched the AI 10 Billion Initiative, a continental effort to accelerate responsible AI adoption and inclusive digital economic growth across Africa. Announced at the 2026 Nairobi AI Forum, held on 9–10 February in Kenya, the initiative brings together governments, private sector leaders, development partners, and tech innovators to advance AI adoption with measurable impact.
The initiative, co-designed by the Bank Group, UNDP, and private partners, aims to mobilize up to $10 billion by 2035 to generate up to 40 million new jobs across the continent. Investments will focus on building AI foundations and promoting broad adoption, including entrepreneurship, regional data infrastructure, policy frameworks, and skills development, addressing the forum’s emphasis on trust, local value creation, capacity building, and sustainable development.
Guided by the Bank Group’s June 2025 report, Africa’s AI Productivity Gain: Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth and Inclusive Transformation, the initiative follows a three-phase roadmap anchored on five interlinked enablers: data, compute, skills, trust, and capital. This framework supports proof-of-concept projects through a mix of equity and debt financing while establishing Africa as a hub for AI innovation and inclusive opportunity.
The announcement was highlighted during a high-level panel featuring representatives from Italy, Kenya, the European Union, UNDP, and the Bank Group. Nicholas Williams, ICT Operations Division Manager at the Bank Group, emphasized the initiative’s role in fostering partnerships, strengthening infrastructure, and accelerating AI-driven entrepreneurship to support inclusive growth. Jean-Luc Stalon, UNDP Resident Representative in Kenya, highlighted the program’s focus on private sector–driven AI solutions that create jobs and improve community livelihoods.
The AI 10 Billion Initiative represents a major step in advancing Africa’s AI agenda, promoting innovation, generating opportunities for youth and women, and potentially increasing Africa’s GDP by $1 trillion by 2035. To drive the initiative forward, the Bank Group will conduct a 10-month roadshow to engage governments, private sector actors, and development partners in forming new partnerships.
