As AI continues to shape the digital landscape, its adoption remains uneven across the globe. For African countries in particular, bridging the gap in technical skills is essential to keep pace with this trend and unlock the economic benefits of digital advancements.

On January 20, during the World Economic Forum in Davos, the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced the creation of the Global AI Skills Coalition. This initiative, supported by over 25 founding organizations, including Microsoft, Cognizant, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and the East African Community, aims to ensure equal access to artificial intelligence training worldwide.

The coalition is part of broader United Nations and ITU efforts to close the global digital divide. It will offer an online platform with free training programs focused on AI and generative AI, emphasizing sustainable development applications. Special attention will be given to marginalized groups such as people with disabilities, women, and young people. The goal is to bridge the skills gap and ensure equitable inclusion in technological advancements.

Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of ITU, explained, “Our new AI Skills Coalition is aiming to train thousands of people this year, especially those living in regions of the world just getting started on their AI journey, as part of our commitment to ensure all communities can fully participate in our shared digital future”.

This initiative is particularly timely for Africa, where the median age is 19, making it the youngest population in the world. With its vast potential, Africa has a unique opportunity to harness AI as a driver of development. To support this, the African Union recently unveiled a continental AI strategy to guide member states in using AI for socio-economic progress while addressing ethical risks and challenges.

A study by PwC, cited by We Are Tech Africa, estimates that AI could add $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with $1.2 trillion of that potential coming from Africa if the technology is fully embraced. However, technical skill shortages remain a significant barrier. The ITU coalition aims to tackle this challenge by offering training that strengthens technical capacity and creates opportunities for African youth, fostering inclusive and responsible AI adoption across the continent.

Supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the coalition will operate in over 170 partner countries. For Africa, this initiative could be transformative, equipping young people with the tools they need to actively engage in the global digital transformation.