AFDB and Partners Launch Free AI Training Program for Public Officials Across the Continent

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB), in partnership with global technology leaders and regional public policy institutes has launched a continent-wide free artificial intelligence training program tailored for public sector officials.

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) in partnership with global technology companies and international development agencies has launched a free artificial intelligence training program designed specifically for public sector officials and policymakers across Africa.

The capacity-building initiative aims to equip government leaders, civil servants, and policy advisors with a practical understanding of emerging technologies. By providing public officials with foundational knowledge in data analytics, machine learning, and automated systems, the program seeks to help governments improve public service delivery, design evidence-based national policies and responsibly govern AI technologies within their respective countries.

The training curriculum covers key areas of public sector innovation, including data governance, ethical AI frameworks, algorithmic transparency and cybersecurity.

Designed to be accessible to officials without technical or engineering backgrounds, the course demonstrates how AI applications can optimize public administration, streamline land registration, enhance tax administration, and improve resource allocation in healthcare and agriculture. Participating officials will learn to evaluate the risks and opportunities associated with automated decision-making systems, ensuring that national AI adoption aligns with local economic needs and human rights standards.

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By making the program freely accessible to government workers across the continent, the African Development Bank and its partners aim to reduce the digital knowledge gap between public administrators and private-sector technology firms.

AfDB leadership and partner organizations emphasized that strong, forward-thinking policy frameworks are essential to ensuring that artificial intelligence drives inclusive economic growth rather than deepening existing social inequalities. By training a network of public sector leaders, the program supports continent-wide efforts to establish harmonious AI regulations, protect citizen data privacy and foster digital innovation across Africa’s public institutions.