The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have announced the launch of a joint initiative to raise $10 billion for the development of artificial intelligence (AI) in Africa. This was reported in an AfDB press release following the AI forum in Nairobi.
"The African Development Bank Group and the United Nations Development Programme have launched the 'AI 10 Billion' initiative, ... which aims to mobilize up to $10 billion by 2035," the statement read.
The funds will be directed toward creating infrastructure, developing digital skills among Africa's population, and supporting entrepreneurship in the AI sector. According to estimates, the program could also create up to 40 million new jobs on the continent by 2035 and increase Africa's GDP by $1 trillion.
The initiative is based on an AfDB report from June 2025 on productivity growth through AI implementation. It identified five key areas necessary for widespread AI adoption: data, computing power, skills, trust, and capital.
"The Bank is leveraging its capabilities to ensure Africa is not left behind in the AI era. ... The initiative paves the way for expanding partnerships and sustainable investments," said AfDB's Director of Information and Communication Technology, Nicholas Williams.
The African Development Bank also plans to hold a series of meetings over the next 10 months with representatives of regional governments, private investors, and the organization's partners to promote the project.
In November 2025, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced it would invest $1 billion in expanding AI infrastructure in African countries. That initiative was aimed at deploying AI technologies in areas such as education, healthcare, and climate change adaptation.
