African Development Bank and UNDP launch $10 billion AI initiative

The African Development Bank Group and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are moving into the implementation phase of the ‘AI 10 Billion Initiative’. Following a UNDP delegation visit to the Bank’s headquarters in Abidjan, the partners outlined plans to begin work in five countries, with the goal of expanding to 20 countries by the end of 2027.

The initiative aims to mobilize approximately $1 billion annually over the next decade through contributions from governments, private investors, and development finance institutions. The program focuses on identifying sectors where artificial intelligence can boost productivity—such as agriculture, manufacturing, finance, and health—and preparing projects to attract investment.

Projections suggest that inclusive AI adoption could add up to $1 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2035 and potentially create 25 million new jobs. The rollout will assess national readiness by examining computing infrastructure, data availability, and workforce skills to ensure technology translates into economic growth and employment for the continent’s growing young population.