The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Google have strengthened their partnership to advance Africa's growing digital economy. This collaboration was formalized during the Global Africa Business Initiative at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Both organizations aim to leverage emerging technologies, improve infrastructure, enhance talent and skills development, and promote digital progress in Africa.
AfDB's President, Akinwumi Adesina, highlighted the bank's substantial investment of $1.9 billion in various projects over the past decade. These investments have focused on expanding broadband infrastructure, creating a favorable policy and regulatory environment, nurturing digital skills, and supporting innovative tech startups. Adesina emphasized the remarkable progress from 2% telephony penetration in 1998 to today's era of 4G, 5G, and AI, with a particular focus on job creation and innovative solutions for Africa's youthful population.
Adesina also recognized Google's significant role in Africa's economic growth and digital transformation, citing Google's investment in the Seacom cable in 2005 and its continued support for talent development, innovation, infrastructure, and regulatory advancements across the continent.
Google's Senior Vice President of Research, Technology, and Society, Dr. James Manyika, emphasized the immense potential of advanced technologies like AI, underscoring the need for collaboration to ensure that progress benefits everyone. He expressed excitement about working with the African Development Bank to achieve their shared goals.