Kenya has unveiled the Africa Centre of Competence for Digital and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skilling. This innovative hub, established through a partnership between the Kenyan government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and tech giant Microsoft, aims to catapult Africa’s public sector into the digital age.
Located at the Kenya School of Government in Nairobi, the Centre will serve as an incubator for public sector innovation, leveraging cutting-edge AI and digital technologies to enhance service delivery continent-wide. The initiative aligns with Kenya’s ambitious National Digital Master Plan, which seeks to upskill 300,000 public servants by 2032.
David Ombee, UNDP Kenya’s Project Communications Officer, noted that:
“The Centre is more than just a training facility; it serves as a hub for driving innovation and enhancing the digital-and AI competencies, capacities, and mindsets of civil servants across Kenya and Africa. The goal is to equip public sector employees with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in a digital environment, drive innovation, and enhance public service delivery to propel Africa’s digital transformation agenda.”
The hub will offer courses in strategic foresight, systems thinking, and human-centered problem-solving, equipping civil servants with the tools to tackle future challenges creatively.
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A standout feature of the project is the proposed Public Sector Innovation Fund, offering micro-grants to encourage public servants to apply their new skills to real-world problems. This approach aims to foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within government ranks.
The Centre’s impact is expected to extend far beyond Kenya’s borders. Adopting a hub-and-spokes model inspired by Bangladesh’s successful a2i initiative, it aims to drive digital transformation across Africa, potentially reshaping governance and economic growth throughout the region.
As Africa steps boldly into the AI-driven future, this Centre stands as a beacon of progress, promising more efficient, responsive, and innovative public services for millions across the continent.