In a context marked by the urgent need to modernize public services and support administrative reforms across the African continent, and in light of the rapid development of artificial intelligence technologies and the challenges they pose to public services, the African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD) officially announces its membership in the SPARK ALLIANCE project.

The SPAARK-AI Alliance was launched during UNESCO’s Conference on Capacity Building in Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation held on June 4–5, 2025, in Paris. It aims to address critical gaps in digital preparedness within public administrations. Led by UNESCO, the Alliance includes national schools of public administration as well as regional and international organizations, including CAFRAD. The goal of this Alliance is to strengthen the institutional capacities necessary for an ethical, inclusive, and sustainable digital transformation.

Indeed, during the UNESCO conference on AI capacity building and digital transformation in the public sector, held on June 4–5, 2025, Alliance members took part in a dedicated workshop to integrate AI-related issues into public administration training programs. The objective is clear and precise: to equip public officials so that they can become drivers of change in their respective countries.

Upcoming Launch of the MOOC on AI and Digital Transformation, in Partnership with the University of Oxford

Aware of the challenges associated with achieving this goal—such as resistance to change, lack of infrastructure, and skills shortages—the Alliance project is based on collaborative learning and the development of shared solutions. It particularly relies on the UNESCO Competency Framework for AI and Digital Transformation, which defines the essential skills required for responsible governance that respects human rights.

The Alliance is structured around four (4) strategic pillars: excellence in training, development of competency frameworks, creation of a knowledge hub, and international networking.

The launch of a global online course (MOOC) on AI and digital transformation, scheduled for November 2025 in partnership with the University of Oxford, marks the first concrete step of the project. Within this framework, CAFRAD will soon organize a webinar, aligned with a joint effort to support the digital transformation of African public administrations. This event aims to highlight the growing role of AI in the success of administrative reforms, by providing a platform for reflection, knowledge sharing, and capacity building.

The webinar will bring together a panel of digital transformation experts, public innovation practitioners, and institutional representatives committed to the digitalization of public services across the continent. Through specialized presentations and interactive discussions, participants will be invited to explore current global and regional trends in AI adoption, as well as the strategic issues tied to its integration into public policies.

Beyond knowledge sharing, this webinar aims to be a catalyst for mutual learning and regional collaboration. It seeks to identify priority training needs, promote best practices, and lay the foundation for sustainable cooperation around artificial intelligence and the modernization of the African public sector.