African Development Bank AI Government Training: Inclusive AI for Public Servants

About this opportunity

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has launched a free AI training programme for public officials across Africa. These self-paced online courses were developed with Stanford University, SDA Bocconi School of Management, UNDP's AI for Sustainable Development Hub (endorsed by the G7 and co-led by Italy). The training areas include AI fundamentals for public servants, including understanding AI opportunities and risks; AI for public leadership in government; and procurement enhanced through AI. AfDB aims to raise awareness and build understanding of AI benefits for African governments. The bank's 2035 report on Africa's AI Potential and Productivity Gains projected AI adding up to $1 trillion to Africa's GDP if inclusively adopted. Several African countries are already formulating AI policy, with five supporting African-language AI last month (Abuja, Nigeria). The AI hub with Google and UNDP provides a knowledge base for the training and operates on Italy's Mattei Plan for Africa. The bank is also promoting women-led entrepreneurship via an initiative with AXIAN to reach 34,000 African women-led businesses.

Format: self-paced, online

Who can apply

• Public officials in AfDB member countries working on AI in public services, innovation, or digital infrastructure

What you get

• Self-paced AI courses for African public servants based on Stanford University Online research
• Backed by AfDB, Google, UNDP and SDA Bocconi School of Management
• Enrolment open to public officials in AfDB member countries working in AI, governance, digital infrastructure, innovation
• Training focuses on fundamentals for public servants and AI leadership in government
• Free training to raise awareness and build understanding of AI opportunities and risks for African governance

How to apply

1. 1
   Review eligibility

   Check that you meet all criteria before starting your application.

2. 2
   Prepare documents

   Gather transcripts, recommendation letters, and any required essays or statements.

3. 3
   Submit application

   Apply directly through the official link below. Deadline: Rolling. No fixed deadline.