AfDB Backs AI Training to Accelerate Agenda 2063 Goals

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating Africa’s development by actively supporting a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI) training programme that strengthens the implementation of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want. Through its Joint Secretariat Support Office (JSSO), the Bank delivered both technical and financial assistance for the 5th Annual Training Workshop for African Union (AU) Member States. Over the course of five days in Lusaka, Zambia, the event equipped participants with advanced AI and digital innovation skills so that they could improve monitoring, evaluation, and reporting on the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (2024–2033) of Agenda 2063.

Collaboration to Advance Digital Innovation

In close partnership with the African Union Commission (AUC) and the African Capacity Building Foundation (ACBF), the workshop brought together representatives from across AU Member States. Moreover, the training built technical capacity to harness AI for more accurate data analysis, sharper decision-making, and stronger evidence-based policy formulation.

Exploring Cutting-Edge AI Tools

Participants engaged in hands-on sessions using leading AI platforms such as Ailyse, ChatGPT, Google AI Studio, Google Gemini, and Perplexity. As a result, they discovered how these technologies can help governments track development progress, refine policy interventions, and allocate resources more effectively while also aligning with Agenda 2063’s priorities.

AfDB’s Commitment to Innovation

Abibu Tamu, Lead Programme Coordinator at the AfDB Group, highlighted AI’s transformative role in governance and development planning. “These tools are revolutionizing how data is collected, analysed, and reported. Furthermore, they enable more targeted policy interventions and efficient resource allocation,” Tamu said, stressing the Bank’s dedication to fostering innovation across the continent.

Strengthening Results-Based Planning

The AfDB continues to integrate AI into results-based planning, monitoring, and accountability systems within the AU framework. Consequently, this approach bridges capacity gaps and promotes a strong culture of evidence-driven governance.

Beyond technical training, the workshop created a dynamic platform for peer learning and knowledge exchange. In addition, delegates shared national experiences, innovative approaches, and best practices in development planning and results-based reporting. Therefore, cross-border collaboration strengthened, and scalable solutions emerged to address Africa’s unique development challenges.

Driving Africa’s Digital Transformation

This initiative underscores the growing recognition that digital transformation drives socio-economic progress. Looking ahead, as Agenda 2063 enters its second decade, targeted capacity-building efforts like this will be essential in ensuring Africa remains on track to achieve its vision of a prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable future.