UNDP and GSMA join forces to strengthen Africa’s AI ecosystem and support locally developed solutions
UNDP and GSMA have entered a strategic partnership focused on strengthening Africa’s artificial intelligence ecosystem and advancing the development and deployment of locally developed AI solutions, including tools designed for African languages.
The collaboration will combine the GSMA’s mobile industry networks and expertise with the United Nations Development Programme’s (UNDP) innovation and development programmes to help African innovators turn AI ideas into practical solutions that address local needs.
A key element of the partnership will be improving access to computing infrastructure for priority AI projects while connecting African talent with real-world opportunities to develop and deploy AI applications. The partners will also explore ways to make locally developed solutions sustainable and scalable over the long term.
Through UNDP’s timbuktoo initiative, which supports African innovators working on development-focused solutions, the partnership will seek to create strong connections between entrepreneurs, technology infrastructure and potential applications for AI across the continent.
The collaboration also builds on the GSMA’s work to advance African-language artificial intelligence through ATLAS Umoja AI, an initiative launched in July 2026 with government and industry partners. The programme brings together language data and expertise from across Africa to support AI services that better reflect the continent’s diverse linguistic and community needs.
“Africa has the talent and creativity to shape the future of artificial intelligence. Through this partnership, we will help connect innovators to the infrastructure, skills and opportunities needed to develop and scale AI solutions that address Africa’s priorities and create opportunities for young people across the continent.” Noted Aissata De, Officer-in-Charge and Regional Director for Africa, UNDP
The partnership is expected to draw on networks spanning universities, AI laboratories, the UNDP-supported University Innovation Pods (UniPods) and other technology ecosystem partners. These networks will help identify and support innovators developing AI applications with potential for wider adoption.
“Africa’s AI future must be shaped by its own talent and reflect the languages and needs of its communities. The mobile industry has an important role to play in helping locally developed solutions reach the people and businesses that can benefit from them. By bringing together the GSMA’s industry networks and UNDP’s innovation platforms, this partnership will help African innovators move from promising pilots towards sustainable services that support inclusive digital and economic growth.” added Angela Wamola, Head of Africa, GSMA.
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