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Skills<\/p>\n
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By Lucy Ogalue<\/p>\n
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Abuja<\/p>\n
The African Development Bank (AfDB), UNDP AI Hub for Sustainable Development, Google and Apolitical have inaugurated free AI training for African public servants.<\/p>\n
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This is contained in a statement by the AfDB on Friday in Abuja.<\/p>\n
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The statement said the programme, launched on the sidelines of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, aimed to strengthen public officials\u2019 understanding and use of artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n
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\u201cUnder Apolitical\u2019s Government AI Campus initiative, participants will access courses covering AI fundamentals, leadership and smarter procurement with AI.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe courses address opportunities, risks and strategies for using AI, building trust and innovative cultures, and improving government procurement.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe training content was developed by Stanford University Online and SDA Bocconi School of Management, while Google and Apolitical provide the learning platform,\u201d it said.<\/p>\n
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Ousmane Fall, AfDB Director for Industrial and Trade Development, said AI could deliver significant productivity gains when users understood how to apply it effectively.<\/p>\n
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\u201cAI is changing how we work. It promises major productivity gains if users fully understand its application.<\/p>\n
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\u201d Understanding AI within government has been neglected, and the partnership will help address the gap.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe training is the first step in implementing recommendations from an AfDB report on AI productivity gains and inclusive economic transformation.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe report projects that inclusive AI deployment can add up to one trillion dollars to Africa\u2019s gross domestic product by 2035,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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He said it also identified skills and trusted governance among five key enablers required for Africa to realise the potential gains from artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n
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Keyzom Massally, Director of the AI Hub for Sustainable Development and UNDP Head of Digital and AI Programmes, said governments needed timely support.<\/p>\n
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\u201cAs the AI landscape continues to evolve, governments across Africa need timely support.<\/p>\n
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\u201d This is to strengthen the institutional and technical foundations required to participate meaningfully in the AI economy.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe AI Hub for Sustainable Development is a G7-endorsed initiative co-led by UNDP and Italy\u2019s Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe initiative aligns with Italy\u2019s Mattei Plan for Africa, while AfDB is a founding member of its Executive Steering Group,\u201d Massally said.<\/p>\n
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The director said the training was self-paced, with enrolment open and free to serving government officials and public servants in AfDB regional member countries.<\/p>\n
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Eligible participants include officials working on AI in public service delivery, digital infrastructure, public-private partnerships and innovation.(NAN)<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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