Last week, UNDP Liberia, in partnership with the UNDP Digital AI and Innovation Hub, marked a major milestone in advancing Liberia’s readiness for Artificial Intelligence (AI) by launching the AI Sprint training program. 

This initiative, part of the global UNDP AI Sprint, is designed as a rapid, high-impact intervention to kick-start Liberia’s AI capacity development journey.

The program focused on strengthening the Government of Liberia’s ability to fulfill three critical roles in the digital era: Regulator, User, and Enabler.

This holistic approach ensures ethical and inclusive AI adoption, positioning Liberia for responsible, equitable, and sustainable digital transformation. The entire program was fully funded, managed, and organized by UNDP.

Global Partnership: INTEL’s Crucial Contribution

A key highlight of the week was the active involvement of the private sector. Leveraging the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UNDP and INTEL, we were honored to have Denzel Wilson, an INTEL expert, participate across all three training streams.

His insights brought essential industry perspectives, grounding discussions in real-world best practices. UNDP deeply appreciates INTEL’s valuable contribution to this effort.

Three Pillars of Progress: Transforming Liberia’s AI Trajectory

The success of Liberia’s AI Sprint was defined by simultaneous, high-impact actions across governance, academia, and internal readiness.

1. National Governance: AI for Government Sprint

Approximately 70 government officials received foundational AI training, equipping them to lead their ministries into the digital future.

The training covered the following:

Government as Regulator - Building ethical AI regulatory frameworks for future legislation.

Government as User -  Exploring practical applications of AI to improve efficiency and service delivery.

Government as Enabler - Creating an ecosystem that supports AI education, private sector readiness, and research and development.

2. Academic Foundation: Designing Liberia’s First MAI Program

UNDP partnered with the University of Liberia (UL) to co-design the country’s first-ever Master of Applied AI (MAI) program during a three-day intensive workshop.

Impact: This initiative positions UL as a center of excellence, ensuring a pipeline of skilled professionals to drive Liberia’s AI revolution.

3. Internal Readiness: Up-Skilling UNDP Staff

To strengthen UNDP’s ability to support Liberia’s digital transformation, 50 UNDP staff members received targeted AI training during the global UNDP AI Week. This ensures the Liberia Country Office is fully equipped to provide strategic and technical guidance.

A Pivotal Moment for Liberia

Given Liberia’s current stage of digital development, these achievements are transformative. The AI Sprint and its multi-sectoral approach signal Liberia’s commitment to leveraging technology as a trusted engine for inclusive growth, improved public services, and responsible governance.

UNDP is proud to have launched this AI Sprint—the vital first step—and looks forward to supporting Liberia throughout its journey toward a digitally empowered future.