A new artificial intelligence initiative backed by the African Development Bank and UNDP is targeting large scale infrastructure, talent development, and policy reform as Africa positions itself for the next wave of global tech growth.

Africa’s artificial intelligence ambitions are moving from policy conversations to capital deployment. The African Development Bank Group and the United Nations Development Programme have unveiled a continent wide AI initiative designed to mobilise up to $10 billion in funding, with projections that the programme could help enable as many as 40 million jobs by 2035.

Announced during the Nairobi AI Forum 2026, the initiative reflects a growing shift among African policymakers toward building local AI ecosystems rather than relying solely on imported technology platforms.

From AI Adoption to AI Infrastructure

Unlike earlier digital transformation projects focused mainly on connectivity, this initiative places infrastructure at the centre of Africa’s AI strategy. The African Development Bank says the investment roadmap prioritises five core areas: data systems, computing capacity, talent development, access to capital, and governance frameworks.

This signals a transition from experimentation to scale. AI adoption across sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, financial services, and education is expected to accelerate if foundational infrastructure gaps are addressed.

Industry analysts note that Africa’s AI growth has often been limited by fragmented datasets and insufficient computing resources. The initiative’s focus on regional data ecosystems suggests a longer term plan to reduce dependency on external platforms.

Job Creation Targets Reflect Workforce Transformation Goals

One of the most ambitious claims tied to the programme is the projection of up to 40 million jobs by 2035. Rather than framing AI purely as automation, the initiative positions the technology as a driver of new labour markets tied to digital services, data management, and innovation ecosystems.

Training and workforce development will form a central part of the strategy. Policymakers involved in the Nairobi discussions emphasised that AI readiness requires coordinated investment in education and skills pipelines, particularly as younger populations enter increasingly digital economies.

Africa’s median age remains among the lowest globally, which creates both opportunity and urgency for building technical capacity.

Africa’s Role in the Global AI Economy Is Expanding

The timing of the initiative reflects rising global competition for AI leadership. While North America, Europe, and parts of Asia continue to dominate infrastructure investment, African institutions are pushing for a more active role in shaping how AI evolves globally.

Recent projections suggest artificial intelligence could contribute significant economic value to Africa by the next decade if supported by coordinated policy and investment frameworks. For development institutions, the initiative represents both an economic strategy and a geopolitical signal that Africa intends to be a builder of AI systems rather than only a consumer.

Local Innovation Moves to the Forefront

Speakers at the Nairobi AI Forum highlighted the need for African led innovation that reflects local languages, cultural contexts, and regional challenges. The initiative’s funding structure is expected to support startups, research institutions, and public sector innovation labs working on locally relevant solutions.

This shift aligns with a broader trend across African tech ecosystems where founders are increasingly building tools tailored to regional markets rather than adapting products designed for Western audiences.

Implementation Challenges Remain

Despite strong optimism, the initiative faces significant execution risks. Infrastructure disparities between regions, gaps in advanced technical training, and regulatory fragmentation could slow deployment if not addressed early.

There are also ongoing debates around responsible AI governance, data sovereignty, and equitable access to emerging technologies. Development partners say policy alignment between governments will be essential to translating investment commitments into real world outcomes.

A Strategic Bet on Africa’s Digital Future

The $10 billion initiative represents one of the most ambitious AI focused programmes announced on the continent to date. For African institutions, the goal is not simply to adopt artificial intelligence but to shape how it evolves within emerging markets.

If implementation meets expectations, the initiative could accelerate Africa’s transition into a more data driven economy while redefining the continent’s role in the global technology landscape.