In a major step towards advancing Africa’s inclusive digital and green transformation, the government has unveiled a first of-its-kind regional Center of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling.
The centre, located at the Konza Technopolis, has been established by the Ministry of ICT in partnership with UNDP and Microsoft.
It will go a long way in enhancing digital and AI skills in Kenya’s public sector workforce, promote innovation and improve service delivery through advanced training and strategic partnerships.
President William Ruto said the opening of the centre will position Nairobi as a key player in the 21st technology sector both in the region and globally.
Speaking during the event, Ruto lauded the partners noting that there is immense value in digital transformation.
Through a cohort-based curriculum, the centre will provide tailored training and mentorship for participants, starting with representatives from Kenya, Uganda, Cape Verde, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Nigeria.
There are plans to also include other African nations in the upcoming year.
The expected outcomes of the centre include enhanced public service efficiency, the adoption of advanced technologies, and improved data-driven decision-making.
It will serve as a hub for cross-country knowledge-sharing and collaboration, driving digital transformation and innovation across the African public sector.
Additionally, it will promote cybersecurity awareness and encourage regional collaboration, enabling African nations to share best practices and accelerate inclusive digital transformation.
Through collaborative effort with the partners, at least 100,000 civil servants are set to be equipped with essential digital and AI skills, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship.
The first cohort is currently undergoing training through both in-person and online sessions.
By embedding digital and AI fluency within the public sector, the centre aims to enhance service delivery, improve governance, and boost Africa’s global competitiveness.
AI is rapidly transforming the future of work - corporate investment in AI since 2020 is close to $1 trillion with its adoption growing.
By 2028, analysts expect the global market for AI to exceed $1 trillion in size.
According to experts, harnessing AI tools could repair the relationship between government and citizens, put public services on a new footing and unlock greater prosperity.
By fostering green innovation, generating jobs and addressing systemic challenges, Africa’s green economic transformation is set to be driven as the Timbuktoo GreenTech hub has also been launched.
This, while making significant strides toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 on affordable and clean energy.
