Africa is set to benefit as the UN, will. i.am and Google launch AI and robotics training for youth

Africa’s next generation of digital leaders is set to gain a major boost following the launch of a new initiative by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Google, and musician-turned-tech philanthropist, will.i.am.

The programme, announced at the Digital@UNGA Anchor Event during the United Nations General Assembly, will deliver artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics training to schools across the continent.

At its core, the initiative seeks to bridge Africa’s persistent digital divide by combining internet connectivity with practical, hands-on digital skills.

It targets underserved schools and communities, especially in countries where the Giga initiative, a joint programme of ITU and UNICEF, is already working with governments to connect schools to the internet.

Building Skills for the Digital Future

Speaking at the launch, ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin underlined the importance of preparing Africa’s youth for a rapidly changing technological landscape.

“This programme will empower young people across Africa with the knowledge and tools to thrive in an AI-driven world. ITU is working to equip them to lead the digital transformation that is reshaping how we live, work, and communicate,” she said.

Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, but more than 60 per cent of young people remain offline.

Globally, 2.6 billion people are not connected to the internet, including 1.3 billion children.

Without access, opportunities to learn coding, robotics, and AI are limited, further entrenching inequality in the digital economy.

The new programme directly addresses this challenge.

Once schools are connected, students aged 10 to 18 will have access to tailored AI training, robotics kits, and teacher support through ITU’s AI Skills Coalition and the Robotics for Good Youth Challenge, both part of the organisation’s broader AI for Good programme.

A special focus will be placed on girls and underrepresented groups, ensuring that digital inclusion is not limited to already-advantaged communities.

Will. I.am: From Music to Tech Advocacy

The initiative is backed by will. i.am, who has emerged as a global advocate for digital education through his i.am Angel Foundation.

As ITU’s AI Skills Coalition Goodwill Ambassador, he is helping to shape and promote the programme.

“In our global tech-driven economy, we must bring young people in underserved areas up to speed so they can participate,” he said.

“With STEM, robotics, and AI skills, bright young minds across Africa will be equipped to succeed and help solve the world’s most pressing problems.”

His involvement underscores a growing trend of public figures using their platforms to push for greater investment in education and technology, especially in regions like Africa, where the potential for leapfrogging development remains high.

Google’s Support and African Rollout

Backing the initiative is Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, which is contributing both technical expertise and USD 1 million in funding.

The support will go toward building localized AI curricula, training facilitators, and distributing robotics kits to schools.

“To unlock the promise of AI, access must be democratized,” said James Manyika, Google’s Senior Vice President for Research, Labs, Technology & Society.

“This programme will help young Africans gain the tools they need to shape the digital economy. It is part of Google’s wider mission to expand connectivity, increase access to AI tools, and build digital skills across the continent.”

The programme will first launch in Ghana, the Ivory Coast, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa. Activities in these countries will include customizing courses to reflect local contexts, training teachers, distributing robotics kits, and hosting national showcases where students can demonstrate their projects.

This initial rollout builds on existing foundations.

The Robotics for Good competitions are already active in over 60 countries, while the Giga initiative is working in 45 nations to expand school connectivity.

The goal is to eventually scale the AI and robotics training across Africa and later to other regions of the world.

A First Step for Many

For thousands of African students, this programme will represent their first encounter with the internet, coding, and robotics experimentation.

The combination of connectivity and practical training is seen as a game-changer, offering skills that are not only relevant to the global economy but also essential to solving pressing local challenges.

By fostering AI literacy, teaching problem-solving, and equipping schools with new tools, the initiative is designed to prepare a generation of African youth who can drive change in agriculture, healthcare, education, and beyond.

Africa at the Centre of Digital Transformation

As the world debates the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence, Africa is positioning itself not just as a consumer of new technologies but as a hub of creativity, talent, and leadership in digital transformation.

This initiative signals a recognition by global partners that Africa’s young population holds the key to shaping inclusive and sustainable digital futures.

With the combined efforts of ITU, Google, and will. Africa’s classrooms are set to become launchpads for tomorrow’s AI and robotics pioneers, ensuring that the continent’s youth are not left behind, but instead stand at the frontlines of the next technological revolution.