AfDB Backs AI Training to Accelerate Africa’s Agenda 2063 Goals

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has intensified efforts to accelerate the implementation of Africa’s ambitious continental development plan, Agenda 2063, by backing a transformative artificial intelligence (AI) training initiative for African Union (AU) member states. The program aims to leverage cutting-edge digital tools to strengthen governance, planning, and monitoring across the continent, marking a critical step toward Africa’s vision of sustainable development and economic prosperity.

In a statement on Tuesday, AfDB highlighted that through its Joint Secretariat Support Office, it provided both technical and financial support for the fifth annual AI training workshop. This event focuses on equipping AU member states with the skills to harness AI for effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (2024–2033) of Agenda 2063, which outlines strategic goals to transform Africa into a global powerhouse.



Held over five days in Lusaka, Zambia, the workshop was jointly organized by the African Union Commission and the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF). The training brought together policymakers, statisticians, and technocrats from across Africa to develop competencies in emerging AI platforms. Participants engaged with tools such as Ailyse, ChatGPT, Google AI Studio, Google Gemini, and Perplexity to enhance data analysis, optimize decision-making, and promote evidence-based policy formulation aligned with Agenda 2063 priorities.

Speaking at the event, AfDB Lead Programme Coordinator, Abibu Tamu, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting the AU Commission and strategic partners in driving the continental development agenda. “AI tools are revolutionizing how data is collected, analysed, and reported, enabling targeted policy interventions and efficient resource allocation across Africa,” Tamu said. He emphasized that strengthening human and institutional capacity is central to achieving the transformative goals outlined in Agenda 2063.

The Lusaka workshop also provided a platform for peer learning and knowledge exchange, allowing participating countries to share innovative practices and success stories in national development planning. By fostering collaboration across borders, the initiative strengthens Africa’s ability to implement results-oriented policies and meet sustainable development objectives.

Agenda 2063, often described as the blueprint for Africa’s future, seeks to foster inclusive growth, reduce inequalities, and enhance continental integration. It is anchored on principles of Pan-Africanism and the African Renaissance, emphasizing unity, self-determination, and collective prosperity. The integration of AI and digital tools into monitoring and reporting mechanisms is expected to provide policymakers with real-time insights, reduce inefficiencies, and ensure transparent and accountable implementation of development programs.



Experts at the workshop stressed that AI adoption is not merely about technological advancement but a strategic approach to improving governance and policy outcomes. By harnessing AI, African governments can predict socio-economic trends, identify priority investment areas, and track progress against development targets. This approach is expected to accelerate the achievement of Agenda 2063’s Second Ten-Year Plan, which focuses on industrialization, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and regional integration.

Furthermore, the initiative aligns with AfDB’s broader digital transformation agenda across Africa. By promoting AI literacy and data-driven policymaking, the bank seeks to empower member states to leverage innovation for economic resilience, climate action, and social inclusion. This effort is part of a long-term strategy to position Africa as a global leader in technology-driven sustainable development.



As Africa navigates complex challenges, from population growth to climate change, the integration of AI into governance and planning represents a game-changer for development outcomes. The AfDB-backed training initiative highlights the continent’s readiness to embrace technological solutions that enhance efficiency, accountability, and growth.

The success of this program is expected to influence how AU member states plan, implement, and report on national development priorities, providing a scalable model for future digital capacity-building initiatives across Africa.