In a significant stride towards Africa’s digital transformation, the African Development Bank (AfDB) and Google have formalised their collaboration to drive technological advancement on the African continent.
During the Global Africa Business Initiative at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the two entities signed a Letter of Intent, cementing their commitment to leverage emerging technologies, bolster infrastructure, and cultivate talent and skills across Africa.
Both the AfDB and Google have a history of championing digital evolution. Over the past decade, the AfDB has channelled $1.9 billion into projects that prioritise broadband infrastructure development, the establishment of conducive policy and regulatory frameworks, fostering digital skills, and supporting innovative technology startups.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, emphasised the remarkable progress in Africa’s telecommunications sector, from a mere 2% telephony penetration in 1998 to the current era of 4G, 5G, and AI. With 70% of sub-Saharan Africans under the age of 30, the focus is on catalysing businesses to create job opportunities and offer innovative solutions.
Google has been a steadfast partner in driving Africa’s economic growth and digital transformation. In 2005, Google made a significant investment in a submarine telecommunications cable, the Seacom cable, marking its commitment to digital transformation in Africa. Since then, Google has actively supported talent development, innovation, infrastructure enhancement, and regulatory advancements across the continent.
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Google and AfDB’s Collaborative Agenda to Empower Entrepreneurs
Under this new collaboration with the African Development Bank, Google will provide technical assistance to empower entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their digitization efforts. This support encompasses securing financing, mastering digital marketing, and advancing private sector development.
Dr. James Manyika, Google’s Senior Vice President of Research, Technology & Society, highlighted the transformative potential of advanced technologies like AI, emphasising that the most profound changes are yet to come. Collaboration will be paramount to ensure that Africa realises this opportunity, building an inclusive digital future where no one is left behind. Google and the African Development Bank are excited to join forces to work towards this shared commitment.
Envisioning an Inclusive Digital Future
As Africa continues to make strides in its digital journey, the collaboration between the African Development Bank and Google stands as a testament to the continent’s commitment to harnessing technology for inclusive growth. The partnership not only underscores the significance of digital transformation but also signifies the crucial role that global tech giants can play in driving Africa’s progress.
With a burgeoning youth population and a rapidly evolving digital landscape, Africa is poised for a digital renaissance that promises economic empowerment, job creation, and innovative solutions to longstanding challenges. As the collaboration between the AfDB and Google unfolds, it paves the way for a future where Africa fully embraces the opportunities of the digital age, ensuring that every citizen benefits from the continent’s technological transformation.
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About Google
Google’s mission is to organise the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through a wide range of products and platforms such as Search, Maps, Gmail, Android, Google Play, Google Cloud, Chrome, and YouTube, Google plays a meaningful role in the daily lives of billions of people and is recognized as one of the world’s most prominent companies. Google operates as a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., a conglomerate that encompasses various technology ventures.