The African Training and Research Centre in Administration for Development (CAFRAD), in partnership with UNESCO, is pleased to announce the official launch date and link for the global online course (MOOC) on Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation, developed in collaboration with the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. This represents the first concrete achievement of the SPARK ALLIANCE project.

The MOOC will begin on November 10, 2025. This course aims to equip public officials and public sector leaders worldwide with the knowledge and tools necessary to address the challenges of artificial intelligence and digital transformation in a responsible manner.

The initiative is part of the SPARK-AI Alliance, a global network established by UNESCO and more than 50 public administration training institutions, including CAFRAD. The Alliance’s goal is to strengthen capacities in artificial intelligence and digital transformation within the public sector, while promoting inclusive, human rights–based approaches to digital governance.

Course details:

• Languages: English, Spanish (from November 10), French, Portuguese, and Arabic to follow
• Duration: 12 hours
• Certification: Joint certificate from the University of Oxford (Saïd Business School) and UNESCO
• Modules: AI and Human Rights, Ethics, Data Governance, Inclusive Service Design, Leadership, and Practical Application using Generative AI Tools
• Target Audience: Public officials and administration professionals at all levels, with no technical prerequisites
• Registration: https://oxsbs.link/unesco

Statements:

Tawfik Jelassi, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information said: ‘The future of digital governance depends on people. This course is a strategic intervention to equip civil servants with the competencies needed to govern AI responsibly and inclusively. By investing in people, we build trust in public AI systems and ensure that technology serves humanity—not the other way around.’

‘At Oxford, we believe education is one of the most powerful tools to shape a fair and inclusive digital future. This course is about more than technology, it is about empowering civil servants everywhere with the knowledge and confidence to navigate AI ethically, in ways that strengthen public trust and serve societies equitably. We are proud to partner with UNESCO in opening up this vital learning opportunity to governments and public leaders globally.’ Said Caroline Williams, Executive Director, Oxford Saïd Online.

Dr. Coffi Dieudonné ASSOUVI, Director-General of CAFRAD, stated:

‘This partnership with UNESCO and the University of Oxford marks a strategic milestone in strengthening the digital skills of African public officials. By equipping our administrations with the tools to understand and govern AI, we contribute to building governance that is more ethical, inclusive, and forward-looking.’