Emmanuel OchayiThe African Development Bank (AfDB) and Google have officially solidified their partnership, signifying a bold step towards accelerating digital transformation throughout the African continent.
The two giants inked a Letter of Intent amidst the bustling backdrop of the Global Africa Business Initiative at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
This strategic agreement underlines a mutual dedication to harnessing emerging technologies, expanding and enhancing digital infrastructure, and refining the talent and skills pool in Africa. It’s a move that promises to usher in a new era of innovation and economic growth for the region.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, spoke passionately about the monumental progress Africa has made over the years, saying, “Our journey from a 2% telephony penetration in 1998 to today’s era of 4G, 5G, and AI signifies immense progress. With 70% of sub-Saharan Africans under 30, our focus is on catalyzing businesses to create jobs and offer innovative solutions.”
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The African Development Bank has been at the forefront of driving digital evolution on the continent, having invested a staggering $1.9 billion over the past decade in projects that prioritize broadband infrastructure, conducive policy and regulatory environments, digital skills, and innovative technology startups.
Meanwhile, Google, a longtime partner in Africa’s economic growth and digital transformation, made its mark by investing in the Seacom submarine telecommunications cable back in 2005.
Since then, Google has remained committed to fostering digital transformation by supporting talent development, innovation, infrastructure, and regulatory advancements across Africa.
Dr. James Manyika, Google’s Senior Vice President of Research, Technology, and society, emphasized the monumental potential of advanced technologies like AI, stating, “With advanced technologies like AI, the most profound transformation is yet to come. Collaboration will be essential if Africa is to realize this opportunity, building for everyone and ensuring no one is left behind. We are excited to collaborate with the African Development Bank to work towards this shared commitment.”
Together, AfDB and Google are set to provide crucial technical assistance to empower entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises in digitizing their businesses, securing financing, mastering digital marketing, and advancing private sector development.
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