Africa Center of Competence for Digital and Artificial Intelligence Skilling

In partnership with the Ministry of Information, Communications and Digital Economy and Microsoft, UNDP Kenya is co-creating a groundbreaking Africa Center of Competence for Digital and Artificial Intelligence Skilling. This center is designed to empower public servants across Africa with the skills and competencies needed to accelerate digital transformation in government.

Our Vision: The Center will act as a dynamic hub, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration and innovation. By strengthening local digital ecosystems and building partnerships across academia, public service, the private sector, and development partners, we aim to drive digital inclusion—a key step towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Objectives:

• Boost Digital Competencies: Equip public servants with advanced digital skills to lead and sustain Africa’s digital transformation.
• Enhance Service Delivery: Provide access to cutting-edge technologies, increasing efficiency and inclusivity within government operations.
• Promote Innovation: Foster a culture of experimentation and innovation, empowering public servants to embrace and lead digital transformation.

A Pan-African Approach: The Africa Center of Competence for Digital and Artificial Intelligence Skilling will offer a modular and cohort-based learning experience, with the first cohort drawing participants from Kenya, Uganda, Malawi, Cape Verde, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Nigeria. Through mentorship and individualized support, participants will gain hands-on experience with technologies like artificial intelligence, data science, cybersecurity, and deep tech.

Why Kenya? Kenya is a leader in digital innovation, supported by extensive infrastructure investments and a strong legal and policy framework. The country's commitment to the Kenya Vision 2030, Mid-Term Plan IV (2023-2027), and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (2022-2027) makes it the perfect host for the Center of Competence. This project also aligns with Kenya’s National Digital Master Plan, focusing on the key pillars of digital transformation.

Driving Sustainable Development: Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2022-2026, this initiative prioritizes digitalization as a critical SDG Accelerator. By embracing digital technologies and innovative governance approaches, the project aims to drive sustainable development, improve service delivery, and promote inclusive growth across Africa.