The African Development Bank (AfDB) and technology giant Intel have announced a groundbreaking partnership aimed at training millions of Africans in artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced technologies. This initiative is a significant step towards achieving the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) on the African continent.

According to a report by Cointelegraph, AfDB and Intel are set to roll out AI training programs across Africa, targeting students, entrepreneurs, and technology enthusiasts. The initiative will equip learners with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly changing digital world and contribute to the continent’s economic growth.

The partnership is part of AfDB’s broader objective of preparing Africa for the 4IR by promoting digital literacy, skills development, and innovation. The Bank’s President, Akinwumi Adesina, emphasized the need for Africa to embrace technology and innovation to succeed in the global marketplace. “We must equip the African youth with the necessary skills to compete effectively in the digital economy,” he said.

Intel, on the other hand, has a long history of promoting digital literacy and skills development globally. The company’s CEO, Pat Gelsinger, said that the Intel-AfDB partnership would help bridge the digital divide in Africa and create opportunities for millions of Africans. “We are committed to working with AfDB to unlock the potential of the African continent,” he added.

The AI training programs will cover various aspects of AI, including machine learning, data science, and natural language processing. The courses will be delivered through a combination of online platforms, face-to-face training, and hands-on workshops.

The initiative comes at a time when AI is becoming increasingly important in various sectors of the global economy. According to a report by McKinsey, AI has the potential to create $1.2 trillion in value annually in Africa by 2025. The technology has the potential to revolutionize industries such as agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance.

In agriculture, for instance, AI can help improve crop yields, reduce wastage, and increase farmers’ incomes. In healthcare, AI can help diagnose diseases, develop new drugs, and improve patient outcomes. In education, AI can personalize learning, improve access to education, and enhance the quality of teaching and learning.

The AfDB-Intel partnership is a significant boost to Africa’s digital transformation efforts. By equipping millions of Africans with AI skills, the initiative will help create a talent pool of highly skilled professionals who can drive the continent’s digital economy.

Furthermore, the partnership will help promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa. With AI skills, young Africans can develop cutting-edge solutions to the continent’s challenges, creating new businesses and jobs in the process.

The AI training programs will also help bridge the gender digital divide in Africa. Women and girls have traditionally been marginalized in the technology sector, but the AfDB-Intel initiative aims to change this narrative. The partnership will ensure that women and girls have equal access to AI training opportunities, promoting gender equality and empowerment.

In conclusion, the AfDB-Intel partnership to train millions of Africans in AI is a significant step towards achieving the 4IR on the African continent. The initiative will equip learners with the necessary skills to thrive in a digital world, promote innovation and entrepreneurship, and bridge the gender digital divide. It is a clear indication that Africa is ready to embrace technology and innovation to drive its economic growth and development.