Origin Research and Innovation Labs and Intel Corporation have partnered to accelerate AI skills development and innovation across Africa.

The partnership aims to empower educators and students at academic institutions with practical technology skills, while supporting the creation of an inclusive AI ecosystem on the continent.

Africa faces a significant – and growing – AI skills deficit. According to Unesco data, the continent accounts for only about 3% of global AI talent, despite having the fastest-growing youth population.

“Through our partnership with Origin Labs, we are creating a locally based platform to help equip African talent with the skills, tools and opportunities needed to participate meaningfully in the global digital economy,” says Intel Corporation East Africa country manager Susan Mbogo.

“Our collaboration with Intel reflects our shared commitment to empowering Africa’s emerging talent in technology and focusing on African solutions, rather than importing models that are disconnected from local contexts,” says Origin Labs lead and focal point Professor Ndirangu Kioni.

Origin Labs and Intel will collaborate on faculty enablement, curriculum integration, hands-on training and mentorship of AI skills development at academic institutions.

A key focus is knowledge transfer to innovation hubs and startups that address local challenges in specific value chains, such as agriculture and manufacturing.

The collaboration has already supported 30 universities in Kenya, helping 65 faculty members to deliver AI content directly to students and train additional trainers within their institutions.

In addition, 15 lead facilitators have been trained, some of whom have been building on the Intel AI programmes.

Intel has also supported several OriginFest Hackathons at universities.

The agreement further supports Intel’s AI for Future Workforce programme, which forms part of its Digital Readiness portfolio, and focuses on equipping learners in technical and professional institutions with the skills required for employability in a digital economy.

Origin Labs and Intel plan to scale AI training through a partnership with the Alliance of Entrepreneurial Universities in Africa, which comprises 50 universities.