AUC Signs Partnership With Google

The African Union Commission (AUC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Google aimed at advancing artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation efforts across Africa.

The agreement was signed on 17 February 2026 at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa by Commissioner Lerato D. Mataboge, who oversees Infrastructure and Energy at the AUC, and Charles Njenga Murito, Google’s Regional Director for Sub-Saharan Africa, Government Affairs and Public Policy.

The partnership is anchored in the African Union’s Continental AI Strategy and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030). According to the two parties, the collaboration will focus on strengthening Africa’s digital and AI capabilities while building long-term institutional and technical capacity.

Priority areas outlined in the agreement include the development of AI, digital and cloud infrastructure; talent and skills development; research and innovation; support for startups and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs); and the advancement of policy and governance frameworks for responsible AI.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Commissioner Mataboge positioned the partnership within the African Union’s broader development agenda. She noted that the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa (2020–2030) commits member states to building inclusive digital economies, while the Continental AI Strategy provides a framework for the ethical and responsible development and governance of AI technologies on the continent.

Murito said the collaboration is intended to strengthen AI readiness and public sector capacity, describing it as a shift from “digital access to digital agency.” He also announced complementary initiatives aligned with the MoU, including an AI readiness training programme for African public officials, launched in partnership with Apolitical.

In addition, Google has committed to training three million students and teachers in AI-related skills by 2030. The company is also providing free access to AI tools, including Gemini Pro and NotebookLM. Support for local languages such as Amharic has been incorporated into these tools, a move aimed at improving accessibility and relevance across diverse African markets.

The signing ceremony was attended by university students and young innovators from Addis Ababa, who engaged with the signatories on the implementation of the agreement. Their participation underscored the partnership’s emphasis on youth inclusion and the development of local digital talent.

The MoU signals a joint commitment to strengthening digital public infrastructure, expanding access to digital opportunities, and promoting responsible innovation as African countries continue to integrate AI into public services and economic development strategies.