Generative AI and LLMs: an Introduction

The emergence of Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) has revolutionized the field of natural language processing. This introductory course aims to demystify generative AI and LLMs for both technical and non-technical audiences working with statistical and other types of data in development work. It will provide a comprehensive overview of the foundational knowledge required to understand LLMs, core concepts in gen AI and recipes and suggestions on practical applications of gen AI in different stages of statistical work.   

  • Duration

    40 hours

  • Location

    Africa

  • Training typology

    Onsite

  • Certificate

    Free of charge

What's included?

  • Hands-on sessions
  • Text materials
  • Certification
  • Peer to peer discussions

Learning Objectives

  • Comprehensive understanding of gen AI and LLM foundations such as machine learning and natural processing (NLP). 
  • Appreciate the difference between gen AI and predictive AI.
  • Understand the basic building blocks of LLMs including the transformer architecture, including their capabilities and limitations of LLMs. 
  • Identify how people use LLMs in data analysis, data collection and other statistical data processes. 

Who we are looking for

NSO staff (Statisticians, Economists, Data Analysts etc), WBG staff (Economists and other domain experts).

Meet our core team

Dunstan Matekenya
Data Scientist with the World Banks' Development Data Group