AfDB and UNDP move Africa's $10 billion AI plan from launch to delivery

Africa's biggest push to turn artificial intelligence into jobs and stronger businesses has moved into its delivery phase. A delegation from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), led by Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Director of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, visited the African Development Bank to take their joint "AI 10 Billion Initiative" from launch commitments to practical work in participating countries.

Co-designed by the Bank, UNDP and private-sector partners, the initiative aims to mobilise $1 billion a year over the next decade — $10 billion in total — and could contribute to 25 million new jobs by 2035. It was launched at the Nairobi AI Forum in February 2026 and will now start in five countries before expanding to 20 by the end of 2027. (The five countries were not named publicly.)

In each country, the programme follows three stages: first, an analysis of where AI can improve productivity; then the selection and preparation of public and private projects until they are ready for financing; and finally an investment platform bringing together governments, investors and regional economic communities.

The initiative builds on the Bank's 2025 report, Africa's AI Productivity Gain, which projects that inclusive AI adoption could add up to $1 trillion to the continent's GDP by 2035. Fifty-eight percent of that potential lies in five sectors: agriculture, wholesale and retail, manufacturing, finance and health. These are projections, not guaranteed returns — but they show where investment could make the biggest difference, with more than 300 million young Africans expected to reach working age within the next ten years.

Solomon Quaynor, the Bank's Vice-President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization, said the Bank judges the promise of AI by productivity — and that the initiative will align public and private capital so AI's benefits translate into competitiveness, employment and inclusive growth across the continent.

The Bank and UNDP are now inviting governments, development finance institutions, private investors and philanthropies to join. Progress will be measured through the projects prepared, the financing they attract, and the benefits they bring to businesses and workers.

What does this mean for you?

Farmers: Agriculture is one of the five target sectors. AI can help forecast weather, detect crop diseases early and plan pricing — but note the programme starts in just five countries, and it is not yet public whether Tanzania is among them.

Small businesses: Wholesale and retail are on the list too. Simple AI tools — for bookkeeping, customer service or advertising products — may be part of funded projects, and they don't need big investment to start using.

Young job seekers: The 25-million-jobs goal shows AI skills are becoming an advantage at work. Learning to use these tools now is a practical step, without waiting for the big projects.