Britain’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has unveiled multi-year Official Development Assistance (ODA) UK funding that could exceed £100 million (Ksh16.3 billion), including significant investments in African projects and a £20 million expansion of the AI for Development program into Asia.
This builds on the £38 million already invested by the UK funding in Africa.
Sunak emphasized the importance of supporting countries in their clean energy transitions and leveraging the opportunities presented by AI.
“The UK is committed to driving a more effective international system that improves lives for people across the globe and at home,” Sunak stated.
“The green transition and the development of AI are key components of this, and the funding announced today will help ensure that these seismic changes happen in a way that works for all,” he added.
Inside UK Funding Boost
The AI for Development program, launched at the Bletchley Park AI Safety Summit in November 2023, funds safe and responsible AI projects worldwide, beginning in Africa.
The UK-Canada partnership, with support from the US, Australia, and other partners, aims to make this transformative technology accessible globally and establish new AI labs to train the next generation of developers, policymakers, and thought leaders.
Also Read: Man Handed Death Sentence for Stealing a Car Worth Ksh1.8 Million
Today’s funding includes £57 million of ODA for the Climate Compatible Growth Programme, designed to enhance climate-resilient infrastructure in developing countries across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
Additionally, the ODA funding will allocate up to £35 million to the Alliance for Green Infrastructure in Africa, catalyzing investment into sustainable infrastructure projects to address the continent’s infrastructure deficit.
In partnership with the World Bank and the EU, £15 million will contribute to the Zambia-Tanzania Interconnector, part of a $300 million project linking Southern and East African Power Pools.
This investment is vital for poverty reduction and economic development in Zambia through improved access to clean energy.
Other Major Funding
Further support includes a £300,000 contribution for mapping by the British Geological Survey in Angola, enhancing economic development along the Lobito Corridor.
Also Read: Head Teachers Honor the Late Standard Group Journalist in a Special Way
The funding also encompasses £500,000 for a green infrastructure initiative between the UK, Kenya, and the wider G7, focusing on transport projects under the Africa Green Industrialization Initiative (AGII).
This partnership marks the first collaboration between the G7’s Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and AGII, promoting closer cooperation with the Kenyan Government on strategic infrastructure and investment.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel for real-time news updates!
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaB3k54HltYFiQ1f2i2C
