By Eddah Waithaka
In a significant move aimed at fostering Africa’s inclusive digital and green transformation, the Government of Kenya has officially inaugurated the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skilling alongside the Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub at Konza Technopolis. This ambitious initiative, led by the Ministry of Information, Communications and Digital Economy (MICDE) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Timbuktoo Africa Innovation Foundation, seeks to empower the continent’s youth with essential digital skills and promote sustainable technological innovations, paving the way for a more resilient and forward-thinking Africa.
As AI continues to reshape industries and enhance operational efficiencies, initiatives like the newly inaugurated Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and Artificial Intelligence Skilling in Kenya highlight the critical need for a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of this evolving landscape.
With corporate investments in AI nearing $1 trillion since 2020 and projected annual investments climbing to $200 billion by 2025, the urgency to equip the next generation with digital competencies has never been more apparent. By leveraging AI technologies, public sector entities can not only improve the delivery of services but also foster stronger connections with citizens, thereby creating a more inclusive and prosperous society.
As the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and AI Skilling at the Kenya School of Government becomes fully operational, it signifies a pivotal investment in the future of Africa’s digital landscape. The initiative, supported by a synergistic partnership among the Government of Kenya, UNDP, Microsoft, Google, and various national and international collaborators, aims to train 100,000 civil servants in essential digital and AI competencies.
Through its innovative approach, the Centre is set to play a transformative role in shaping the future of public services across the continent. 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.
Utilizing a cohort-based curriculum, the Centre offers tailored training and mentorship for participants, starting with representatives from Kenya, Uganda, Cape Verde, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Nigeria, with plans to include other African nations in the upcoming year.
It will serve as a hub for cross-country knowledge sharing and collaboration, driving digital transformation and innovation across the African public sector.
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Furthermore, the Centre is poised to foster innovation by facilitating partnerships between governments, private sector players, and academia. By creating a collaborative ecosystem, the Centre will encourage the development of localized digital solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by African nations.
These partnerships will not only drive economic growth but also empower communities through skills development and capacity building.
The Timbuktoo GreenTech Hub is strategically positioned to lead Africa’s green economic transformation by promoting innovative solutions, creating job opportunities, and tackling systemic challenges.
Through its initiatives, the Hub aims to significantly advance the continent’s efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDG 7, which advocates for affordable and clean energy.
The Centre for Competence is a collaborative initiative between UNDP, the Ministry of Information, Communications, and the Digital Economy, the Kenya School of Government, Microsoft and Google,. It aims to enhancedigital and AI skills of Kenya’s public sector workforce, promoting innovation and improving service delivery through advanced training and strategic partnerships.
