- The AI 10 Billion Initiative aims to mobilise $1 billion annually over 10 years to support AI adoption and help create 25 million jobs by 2035.
- AfDB and UNDP will begin implementation in five countries before expanding to 20 by the end of 2027.
The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) are advancing the AI 10 Billion Initiative to accelerate artificial intelligence adoption and boost productivity across Africa. The partners discussed implementation during a visit by a UNDP delegation to the Bank Group.
The initiative brings together AfDB, UNDP and private-sector partners to mobilise $1 billion annually over the next decade. It aims to support AI-driven economic growth and contribute to the creation of 25 million jobs by 2035.
Keyzom Ngodup Massally, Director of the UNDP AI Hub for Sustainable Development, led the delegation alongside representatives of the UNDP Platform for Investment and Technical Assistance (PISTA).
The mission follows the initiative’s launch at the Nairobi AI Forum in February 2026 and builds on ongoing work under the Africa Accelerator for Digital Public Infrastructure (AA4DPI).
AI Could Add $1 Trillion to Africa’s GDP
AfDB’s 2025 report, Africa’s AI Productivity Gain, estimates that inclusive AI adoption could add up to $1 trillion to Africa’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035. The report identifies agriculture, wholesale and retail, manufacturing, finance, and health as key sectors. These five sectors account for 58% of the projected productivity gains.
Africa’s employment needs add urgency to the initiative. More than 300 million young Africans are expected to enter working age within the next decade, making productivity growth a critical economic priority.
Solomon Quaynor, AfDB Vice-President for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization, said productivity remains central to the Bank’s assessment of AI’s potential. “Through AI 10 Billion, and in partnership with UNDP, we will align public and private capital behind that objective, so that the benefits of AI translate into competitiveness, employment and inclusive growth across the continent,” Quaynor said.
AfDB and UNDP Outline Implementation Strategy
The initiative will coordinate existing funding from governments, development finance institutions (DFIs) and private investors to support the energy, data infrastructure and skills that AI adoption requires.
AfDB will contribute research, financing and relationships with its 54 regional member countries. UNDP will provide country-level support and technical expertise through its AI Hub for Sustainable Development.
The partners will implement the initiative through three stages in each participating country:
- Assess productivity opportunities: Conduct a country-level analysis to identify areas where AI can improve productivity.
- Prepare investment projects: Identify and develop public- and private-sector projects until they become ready for financing.
- Mobilise investment: Establish partnership platforms that bring together governments, investors and regional economic communities.
Expansion to 20 Countries by 2027
AfDB and UNDP plan to begin implementation in five countries before expanding the initiative to 20 countries by the end of 2027.
The partners have invited governments, development finance institutions, private investors and philanthropic organisations to participate.
The initiative aims to connect Africa’s AI opportunities with investment, technical support and practical projects. Its success will depend on turning AI potential into measurable productivity gains, employment opportunities and inclusive economic growth.