The African Development Bank Group and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched the AI 10 Billion Initiative.

The programme aims to promote responsible artificial intelligence adoption and support inclusive digital economic growth across Africa.

The Nairobi AI Forum 2026, held on 9–10 February in Kenya, hosted governments, private sector leaders, development partners, and tech innovators. They gathered to discuss AI adoption and its potential impact.

The initiative, co-designed by the Bank Group, UNDP, and private partners, aims to mobilise up to US$10 billion by 2035.

The funding will support projects intended to create up to 40 million new jobs across the continent by 2035, through investments in AI infrastructure, entrepreneurship, policy frameworks, and skills development.

The programme aligns with the Nairobi AI Forum’s focus on trust, local value creation, capacity building, and sustainable development.

The AI 10 Billion Initiative is guided by the Bank Group’s June 2025 report, Africa’s AI Productivity Gain: Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth and Inclusive Transformation, which outlines a three-phase roadmap for AI readiness based on five interlinked enablers: data, compute, skills, trust, and capital.

Investments will support proof-of-concept projects using both equity and debt financing, aiming to position Africa as a hub for AI innovation.

Jean-Luc Stalon, UNDP Resident Representative in Kenya, added that UNDP plays a pivotal role in fostering private sector–driven AI partnerships designed to create jobs and improve livelihoods across communities.

The initiative forms part of the Bank Group’s broader effort to advance Africa’s AI agenda, with the potential to generate an estimated US$1 trillion increase in GDP by 2035.

The Bank plans a 10-month roadshow to engage governments, private sector actors, and development partners to establish new partnerships.

Featured image credit: African Development Bank