Apply Now: AfDB Partners Launch Free AI Training for African Public Officials
The African Development Bank (AfDB) Group, in partnership with the UNDP AI Hub for Sustainable Development, Google and Apolitical, has launched a free artificial intelligence (AI) training programme for public officials across Africa.
The programme was unveiled on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York and is designed to help government officials understand AI and apply emerging technologies more effectively in public service.
Delivered through Apolitical’s Government AI Campus, the initiative provides participants with access to self-paced courses covering the opportunities, risks and practical applications of AI in government.
What the Training Covers
Participants will have access to courses including:
- AI Fundamentals for Public Servants: Opportunities, Risks and Strategies
- AI Leadership in Government: Building Trust, Skills and an Innovative Culture
- Smarter Procurement with AI
The courses were developed by Stanford University Online and SDA Bocconi School of Management, while Google and Apolitical are providing the learning platform and content.
Who Can Apply?
The training is open free of charge to serving government officials and public servants in African Development Bank regional member countries.
It is particularly relevant to officials working in areas such as:
- AI and emerging technologies
- Public service delivery
- Digital infrastructure
- Public-private partnerships
- Government innovation
The training is self-paced, allowing participants to complete the courses according to their schedules. Enrolment is currently open.
Why the Programme Matters
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Africa’s capacity to adopt and govern AI responsibly.
According to the African Development Bank, the training follows recommendations from its report, “Africa’s AI Productivity Gain: Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth and Inclusive Transformation.” The report identified skills and trusted governance among key conditions for Africa to benefit from AI.
The Bank has projected that inclusive AI deployment could contribute up to $1 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2035, subject to the development of the necessary skills, infrastructure, data, trust and financing.
Ousmane Fall, AfDB Group Director for Industrial and Trade Development, said the partnership is intended to address the need for stronger understanding of AI within government and help public officials make better use of the technology.
The UNDP AI Hub for Sustainable Development also highlighted the importance of strengthening the institutional and technical foundations required for African governments to participate effectively in the emerging AI economy.
How to Apply
Eligible African government officials and public servants can enrol for the free, self-paced training programme through the Government AI Campus.
Interested applicants should review the official programme information and access the application platform through the African Development Bank official announcement.
