Nairobi, Kenya — The Government of Kenya, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Microsoft, officially launched the Africa Centre for Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skilling on October 11, 2024. This initiative aims to empower public servants across the continent with cutting-edge digital and AI skills, fostering innovation and improving service delivery.
Empowering Public Sector Transformation
The Africa Centre for Digital and AI Skilling, hosted at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, will serve as a regional hub for digital transformation. It adopts a “hub-and-spoke” model, extending training and capacity-building initiatives beyond Kenya to other African nations. Public sector workers will receive specialized training in areas such as systems thinking, human-centered problem-solving, and strategic foresight to address emerging challenges effectively.
The Centre draws inspiration from Bangladesh’s a2i program, a successful digital governance initiative that transformed service delivery through innovation across multiple government ministries. With this approach, Kenya aims to build a future-proof public sector capable of responding dynamically to evolving governance needs.
Collaboration with Global Tech Leaders
Key technology partners, including Microsoft, are providing expertise and resources to keep the Centre at the forefront of AI and digital advancements. The initiative aligns with Kenya’s National Digital Master Plan (2022-2032), which targets enhancing the digital literacy of 300,000 public servants over the next decade.
One of the Centre’s most innovative elements is the proposed Public Sector Innovation Fund, which will offer micro-grants to encourage civil servants to develop practical digital solutions for real-world problems. By embedding a culture of continuous improvement, the Centre aims to transform governance and improve the quality of public services across Africa.
Aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals
The initiative contributes to global development by supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically promoting quality education (SDG 4), decent work and economic growth (SDG 8), and reduced inequalities (SDG 10). By equipping public servants with advanced digital skills, the Centre aims to position Africa as a leader in digital governance and economic innovation.
The launch of the Africa Centre for Digital and AI Skilling marks a significant milestone in Africa’s journey toward becoming a digitally empowered continent, with Kenya leading the way in public sector modernization
