Unemployment: China announces massive AI training opportunities for Nigerians, others - Blueprint Newspapers Limited
Spread the wordChinese President Xi Jinping has announced a major initiative to provide 5,000 artificial intelligence (AI) training opportunities for developing countries over the next five years as Beijing. . .
Spread the wordChinese President Xi Jinping has announced a major initiative to provide 5,000 artificial intelligence (AI) training opportunities for developing countries over the next five years as Beijing intensifies efforts to promote inclusive AI development and strengthen global cooperation on emerging technologies. Xi made the announcement on Friday during the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, where he outlined China’s vision for a more equitable and collaborative approach to artificial intelligence. Blueprint reportsThe Chinese leader said the initiative is aimed at narrowing the digital divide between developed and developing nations by equipping professionals from the Global South with AI knowledge and technical skills needed to drive economic growth and innovation. Expanding AI cooperationAs part of the initiative, Xi announced plans to establish international AI application cooperation centres with key regional organisations, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the African Union (AU), the League of Arab States, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) and BRICS. According to him, the centres will serve as platforms for knowledge sharing, technology transfer and practical AI applications in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, manufacturing and public administration. Xi stressed that developing countries should not be left behind in the global AI revolution, noting that equal access to technology is essential for achieving sustainable development. He described artificial intelligence as a transformative technology capable of improving productivity, enhancing public services and creating new opportunities for economic advancement. Call for inclusive global governanceAddressing delegates from governments, technology firms and international organisations, Xi urged the global community to embrace cooperation rather than competition in shaping the future of artificial intelligence. “AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation,” he said. The Chinese President also announced the formal establishment of the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organisation (WAICO) in Shanghai. The organisation, first proposed by China in 2025, is expected to serve as an international platform for dialogue, policy coordination and cooperation on AI governance, particularly among developing nations seeking greater participation in setting global standards. Xi described the launch of WAICO as a significant milestone in building a more inclusive international framework for AI governance. Four principles for AI developmentThe Chinese leader outlined four guiding principles that should shape the future development and governance of artificial intelligence. He called on countries to promote open innovation and scientific collaboration while strengthening safeguards for AI safety and cybersecurity. Xi also urged governments to encourage inclusiveness, cultural diversity and equitable access to emerging technologies, especially for developing economies. In addition, he advocated stronger multilateral governance under the framework of the United Nations to ensure AI development reflects the interests of all countries rather than a select few. According to him, international cooperation remains the most effective way to maximise AI’s benefits while minimising potential risks. Balancing innovation with safetyXi acknowledged that while artificial intelligence presents enormous opportunities for economic transformation and social development, it also poses significant ethical, security and governance challenges. He warned that the misuse of AI could threaten public safety, privacy and global stability if left unchecked. To address these concerns, he called for stronger legal frameworks, improved regulatory systems, technological monitoring mechanisms, early warning systems and emergency response capabilities to ensure AI remains safe and under human control. The Chinese President also cautioned against excessive national security restrictions that could hinder international scientific collaboration and slow technological progress. China showcases AI achievementsHighlighting China’s rapid progress in artificial intelligence, Xi said the country’s core smart economy industries are now valued at more than one trillion yuan, with AI increasingly driving innovation across manufacturing, healthcare, education, transportation and public services. He noted that China has continued to strengthen its AI regulatory framework, ethical guidelines and governance systems to ensure technological advancement is accompanied by responsible oversight. According to Xi, the country’s experience demonstrates that innovation and regulation can progress simultaneously to support sustainable technological development. Support for developing countriesBeyond the training programme, Xi announced that China would provide 30 countries with access to its AI-powered MAZU meteorological early warning system to improve disaster preparedness and reduce the impact of extreme weather events. The initiative is expected to enhance climate resilience and strengthen emergency response capabilities, particularly in vulnerable developing countries. Xi also highlighted China’s role in promoting international cooperation through the adoption of a United Nations General Assembly resolution on AI capacity building, as well as the launch of the AI Capacity Building Action Plan for Good and for All and the AI Plus International Cooperation Initiative. Bridging the digital divideThe announcement reflects China’s growing ambition to play a leading role in shaping the future of global artificial intelligence governance. By expanding technical assistance, promoting multilateral cooperation and investing in capacity building for developing nations, Beijing hopes to ensure that the benefits of AI are shared more equitably across the world. “As AI advances at a staggering speed, we must ensure its development is for the positive, for good and for humanity,” Xi said. He urged the international community to work together to guide artificial intelligence with human wisdom, shared responsibility and international consensus, stressing that only through collective action can AI become a force that improves lives, promotes sustainable development and advances human civilisation. Spread the word