ETHIOPIA; KENYA —The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are moving the AI 10 Billion Initiative into its implementation phase, establishing a framework to prepare investment-ready projects and coordinate public and private financing for artificial intelligence across Africa. The partnership was advanced through a UNDP Regional Bureau for Africa delegation visit to the Bank Group, led by Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Director of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development, alongside representatives of the UNDP Platform for Investment and Technical Assistance.
Launched at the Nairobi AI Forum in February 2026, the initiative seeks to mobilize $1 billion annually over ten years, with the potential to contribute to the creation of 25 million jobs by 2035. The programme will begin in five countries and aims to extend its reach to 20 countries by the end of 2027. Its implementation model covers national assessments to identify productivity opportunities, preparation of public and private projects for financing, and the establishment of investment platforms bringing together governments, investors and regional economic communities.
The initiative addresses the financing and implementation requirements associated with wider AI adoption, including energy infrastructure, data capacity and workforce skills. The African Development Bank's 2025 report, Africa’s AI Productivity Gain, estimates that inclusive AI adoption could add up to $1 trillion to the continent's GDP by 2035. Agriculture, wholesale and retail, manufacturing, finance and healthcare account for 58% of the projected gains, positioning these sectors as priorities for investment and deployment.
The programme also builds on the ongoing Africa Accelerator for Digital Public Infrastructure initiative. The African Development Bank contributes financing capacity, analytical expertise and relationships with its 54 regional member countries, while UNDP provides country-level networks and technical capabilities through its AI Hub for Sustainable Development. Together, the organizations intend to connect national development priorities with projects that can attract capital from governments, development finance institutions, private investors and philanthropic organizations.
For businesses and investors, the initiative could create opportunities across digital infrastructure, energy supply, AI-enabled services, agricultural technology, financial services and healthcare systems. However, the scale of the intended economic benefits will depend on the quality of projects prepared, the availability of financing and the ability of participating countries to develop the infrastructure and skills required for adoption. The initial five-country phase will provide an early indication of how effectively the partnership can convert AI investment objectives into financeable projects and measurable productivity gains.
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is a multilateral development finance institution serving regional member countries through financing and technical support for economic and social development. UNDP is the United Nations' development agency, working with countries to advance sustainable development and strengthen institutional capacity.
