African Development Bank and Google collaborate on digital transformation in Africa

African Development Bank, Google sign cooperation agreement to advance digital transformation in Africa (l-r) AfDB Vice President Solomon Quaynor, President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and Google Senior VP Dr. James Manyika
The African Development Bank and Google today formalized cooperation aimed at advancing digital transformation in Africa. The parties signed a Letter of Intent during the Global Africa Business Initiative at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The agreement underscores a shared commitment to harness emerging technologies, extend and improve infrastructure, and refine talent and skills in the continent.
Both parties have a history of fostering digital evolution. Over the past decade, the African Development Bank has invested $1.9 billion in projects emphasizing the development of broadband infrastructure, conducive policy and regulatory environments, digital skills, and innovative technology startups.
“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,” said Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank.
Google has been a longtime partner in Africa’s economic growth and digital transformation. In 2005 Google invested in a major submarine telecommunications cable – the Seacom cable. Since then, Google has been committed to digital transformation by supporting talent development, innovation, infrastructure, and regulatory advancements across the continent.
Working together with African Development Bank, Google will offer technical assistance to bolster entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises in digitizing their businesses, securing financing, mastering digital marketing, and advancing private sector development.
Dr. James Manyika, Google’s Senior Vice President of Research, Technology & Society, said: “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.”
About Google:
Google’s mission is to organize the world’s information and make it universally accessible and useful. Through products and platforms like 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 has become one of the most widely-known companies in the world. Google is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc.
Source: African Development Bank
the Editor

Recent Posts

Ghana: National Defence University To Begin Early 2024

  The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, says pursuant to section 29…

8 months ago

Liberian Democracy Prevails: President Weah Concedes Election Defeat To Boakai, Paves Way for Peaceful Transition

In a landmark moment for Liberia's democratic journey, President George Weah gracefully conceded defeat to…

8 months ago

Court rules in favour of Black Sherif in cruise ship performance dispute

The case filed by Cruise People Ltd against Ghanaian musician, Black Sherif has been dismissed…

8 months ago

One Africa News Today Video Summary – week – 13 November 2023

One Africa News Today – your go-to source for the latest news and updates from…

8 months ago

Ethiopia Offers To Share Ethiopian Airlines, the Renaissance Dam And More With Neighbours For Access To Sea Ports

  Ethiopia will continue raising the issue of getting access to sea and alternative port…

8 months ago