The African Development Bank (AfDB) emphasises Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a crucial driver for advancing Africa’s Agenda 2063. This strategic initiative aims to reshape how the continent approaches its development objectives.
The AfDB recently hosted a hands-on workshop on tools like ChatGPT and Google Gemini to enhance capabilities. The Bank anticipates these resources will help redefine the measurement and execution of development goals across Africa.
This workshop, held in Lusaka, Zambia, marked the fifth annual training session for representatives from African Union member states. Organised in collaboration with the African Union Commission and the African Capacity Building Foundation, it aimed to equip participants with AI tools to effectively monitor the implementation of the second ten-year plan of Agenda 2063, which spans from 2024 to 2033.
During the five-day event, attendees engaged in practical training sessions featuring innovative AI platforms such as Ailyse, Google AI Studio, and Perplexity. The AfDB’s overarching goal is to transform complex developmental data into actionable insights that can lead to more informed decisions, expedited actions, and enhanced accountability in governance.
According to Abibu Tamu, the lead programme coordinator at the AfDB, AI has become a vital component of Africa’s future. He remarked, “These tools are transforming how we collect, analyse, and report data, allowing for more focused policy interventions and better resource allocation.”
Agenda 2063, termed “The Africa We Want,” is the African Union’s long-term framework for fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development. The second 10-year plan emphasises the importance of industrialisation, digital transformation, and the creation of sustainable livelihoods.
With the integration of AI, African policymakers are now better positioned to monitor progress, identify potential roadblocks proactively, and adjust resources as necessary. The support from the AfDB highlights a comprehensive strategy to enhance human and institutional capacities, empowering African nations to embrace the digital age fully.
Beyond skill development, the Lusaka workshop also functioned as a platform for peer learning, allowing countries to exchange success stories about implementing AI in national planning and reporting.
“If Agenda 2063 is Africa’s long-term roadmap, this AI training is akin to upgrading the continent’s GPS, ensuring that leaders understand their destination and possess the insight needed to navigate any challenges along the way,” Tamu added.
