The African Development Bank Group and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have launched the $10 Billion AI Initiative, a continental program aimed at accelerating the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and driving inclusive digital growth across Africa.
The announcement was made during the Nairobi AI Forum 2026, held on February 9–10, 2026, in Kenya. The event brought together government representatives, private sector leaders, technical and financial partners, and technology innovators to define concrete strategies for high-impact AI adoption to support development.
Jointly designed by the Bank Group, UNDP, and private sector partners, the $10 Billion AI Initiative aims to mobilize up to $10 billion by 2035. These resources are expected to generate up to 40 million jobs across the continent through targeted investments to build the foundations of Africa’s AI ecosystem, including support for entrepreneurship, the development of regional data infrastructure, the establishment of appropriate regulatory frameworks, and skills development.
The initiative builds on a report published by the Bank in June 2025 titled Africa’s AI Productivity Gain: Pathways to Labour Efficiency, Economic Growth and Inclusive Transformation. The report outlines a three-phase roadmap to prepare the continent for AI, based on five interdependent pillars: data, computing capacity, skills, trust, and capital. These priorities were echoed during discussions at the Nairobi Forum, where experts emphasized the need for interoperable data ecosystems, ethical AI governance, tailored financing mechanisms, and strengthened training programs.
The mobilized funding will notably support pilot projects and proof-of-concept initiatives through equity investments and innovative debt instruments, with the aim of positioning Africa as a hub for artificial intelligence innovation and promoting inclusive economic opportunities.
The official announcement was made during a high-level roundtable bringing together representatives from the Italian and Kenyan governments, the European Union, UNDP, and the African Development Bank Group.
Nicholas Williams, Head of the ICT Operations Division at the African Development Bank Group, stressed that the institution intends to leverage its role as a multilateral development bank to ensure Africa is not marginalized in the AI era. According to him, the initiative paves the way for expanded partnerships and sustainable investments capable of accelerating tech entrepreneurship, strengthening data infrastructure, and supporting inclusive growth across the continent.
For his part, Jean-Luc Stalon, UNDP Resident Representative in Kenya, highlighted the importance of innovative partnerships driven by the private sector to create jobs and sustainably improve living conditions.
With this $10 Billion AI Initiative, the Bank Group is taking a new step in advancing Africa’s artificial intelligence agenda. The objective is clear: stimulate innovation, promote employment for young people and women, and contribute to a potential increase in Africa’s GDP estimated at $1 trillion by 2035.
To turn this ambition into reality, the Bank Group plans to conduct an international roadshow over the next ten months to mobilize governments, private investors, and development partners around new strategic partnerships.
