African Union Commission (AUC) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google to advance artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation across the continent.

The agreement, signed on 17 February 2026 at the AU Headquarters by H.E. Commissioner Lerato D. Mataboge (Infrastructure and Energy) and Mr. Charles Njenga Murito, Google’s Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Government Affairs & Public Policy, marks a decisive step toward securing Africa’s digital future.

Moving beyond mere technology adoption, the collaboration is focused on building Africa’s sovereign digital capacity and strengthening long-term resilience. Guided by the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030), the partnership prioritises:

• The advancement of AI, digital, and cloud infrastructure.
• AI talent development, skills, and human capital.
• Research, education, innovation, and centres of excellence.
• Entrepreneurship, startups, and MSME ecosystem development.
• Policy, governance, and responsible AI frameworks.

Addressing the gathering, Commissioner Mataboge underscored the strategic imperative of this collaboration within Africa’s broader development agenda. “Under the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030), we have committed to building inclusive digital economies that leave no one behind," she stated. "In parallel, the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy provides a clear framework for how Africa will develop and govern AI in a way that is ethical, responsible, inclusive, and development oriented.”

Representing Google, Mr. Murito highlighted the company’s commitment to strengthening AI readiness and public sector capacity across the continent, declaring that the partnership is moving the continent "from digital access to digital agency.”

He further announced new initiatives aligned with the partnership, including an AI readiness training programme for African public officials, launched alongside Cori Zarek and Apolitical. Additionally, Google aims to train 3 million students and teachers by 2030 and is offering free access to Gemini Pro and NotebookLM. Crucially, these tools now support local languages such as Amharic, ensuring that Africa’s AI transformation is locally relevant and inclusive.

The signing ceremony was witnessed by young African innovators and university students from Addis Ababa, who engaged directly with the signatories to ensure their perspectives shape the implementation of the agreement. Their presence reinforced a central pillar of the partnership: empowering the generation that will drive Africa’s digital transformation.

Addressing the students in attendance, Commissioner Mataboge noted: “Today’s signing is a symbol of partnership. But tomorrow’s success will depend on your participation.”

This MoU reflects a shared commitment to harnessing emerging technologies to strengthen digital public infrastructure, expand access to opportunity, promote responsible innovation, and position Africa as a global leader in the digital age.
 

For Media Inquiries: 

1. Ms. Bezayit Eyoel | Information Analyst | Department of Infrastructure and Energy| African Union Commission| E-mail: BezayitE@africanunion.org|
2. Mr. Gamal Eldin Ahmed A. Karrar | Senior Communication Officer | Information and Communication Directorate (ICD), African Union Commission | E-mail: GamalK@africanunion.org