Embodying transformative and transformational leadership at the helm of the largest Pan-African organization, Dr. Coffi Dieudonné ASSOUVI, Director General of CAFRAD and founding member of the Global Alliance of Schools of Public Administration and AI research and knowledge actors (UNESCO SPARK-AI Alliance), has been appointed to co-lead UNESCO’s Working Group on the future of AI in the public sector. Dr. ASSOUVI thus positions himself as a key pillar in transforming and preparing the continent for global challenges affecting both the world and Africa. He is therefore responsible for preparing a policy brief in close collaboration with all members of the Working Group, who come from different countries and diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

In his capacity as Co-Chair of the Working Group, the Director General of CAFRAD officially launched the activities through the inaugural meeting of the Future of Work in the Public Sector Working Group, organized within the framework of the SPARK-AI Alliance and led by UNESCO. This first session was held on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:40 p.m. (CET), via Microsoft Teams.

The welcome remarks and opening address were delivered by Mr. Prateek Sibal of UNESCO, who opened the meeting by highlighting the strong interest generated by the Alliance as well as by the two Co-Chairs of the Working Group, Dr. Coffi Dieudonné Assouvi and Dr. Maria Duran, who gave brief presentations and remarks on the challenges of artificial intelligence.

This new UNESCO Working Group aims to bring together member institutions of the Alliance to analyze and anticipate the profound transformations that artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing to public administrations. Through this participation, CAFRAD reaffirms its commitment to innovation, institutional modernization, and capacity building for public servants in Africa. CAFRAD’s role is to highlight the specific characteristics of African states in the process of implementing digital sovereignty, particularly in governance and public services.

A collaborative space to rethink skills and organizational models

The Working Group seeks to explore how AI—particularly generative AI, agentic AI, and automated decision-support systems—is reshaping roles, skills, and professional practices in the public sector. It also aims to support public administrations in managing transitions related to automation, while preserving the fundamental values of public service: transparency, inclusion, and accountability.

Its objectives include:

• analyzing trends related to AI-driven transformations of work;
• conducting a foresight exercise on possible futures of the civil service;
• identifying key skills to prepare public servants for upcoming changes;
• examining risks (job losses, deskilling, algorithmic management) and opportunities (upskilling, augmented decision-making);
• collecting good practices and successful initiatives worldwide;
• developing recommendations for the responsible and ethical integration of AI in public administration.

A structured program and concrete deliverables

The initial work cycle will span six months starting in 2025, culminating in the production of a policy brief provisionally titled “The Future of Work in the Public Sector: Adapting to the AI Era,” along with a compilation of case studies, capacity-building workshops, and regular contributions to the SPARK Alliance newsletter.

Group meetings will be held every 4 to 6 weeks and will be facilitated by the group leaders, in coordination with the Secretariat provided by UNESCO.

CAFRAD’s commitment

By actively participating in this strategic Working Group, CAFRAD reaffirms its leading role in supporting African public administrations toward more innovative, agile models adapted to technological developments. This involvement will help contribute to international reflections, share African expertise in public sector transformation, and integrate global best practices to strengthen public sector capacity building across the continent.

Dr. Duran, Dr. Assouvi, and Prateek Sibal presented their concluding reflections. The meeting ended with holiday greetings and a commitment to continue the collaboration.