The United Arab Emirates has announced a landmark $1 billion initiative aimed at expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure and AI-enabled services across Africa. The AI for Development Initiative, unveiled at the Group of 20 (G20) leaders’ summit in Johannesburg, will be implemented by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), part of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, in cooperation with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency.
A Strategic Geopolitical and Economic Move
The announcement was made by UAE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, during the G20 summit, which was attended by His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, on behalf of the UAE President.
This initiative significantly strengthens the UAE’s economic and geopolitical ties with the continent. It builds upon an already robust relationship, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $107 billion in 2024, a 28% increase from the previous year. Furthermore, total UAE investments in Africa exceeded $118 billion between 2020 and 2024, cementing the Emirates’ position as one of the largest investors in the region.
Targeting Development Over Commerce
By focusing on key sectors such as education, healthcare, and climate adaptation, the programme addresses critical development priorities where AI capabilities can deliver tangible improvements in public service delivery. This strategic focus positions the UAE as a key partner in Africa’s digital transformation, moving beyond purely commercial applications to help countries meet national development goals.
“The UAE considers AI not just as a future industry but a cornerstone of humanity’s future,” stated Al Hajeri, emphasizing the country’s commitment to accelerating innovation to enhance productivity and drive advancements in the global economy.
Building on Domestic AI Ambitions
This international initiative is a clear extension of the UAE’s own aggressive push to become a global AI powerhouse. Domestically, Abu Dhabi is investing heavily in AI infrastructure, highlighted by the recent announcement of a new joint US-UAE regional AI compute cluster. This project, targeting a 5 Gigawatt (GW) capacity, aims to position the UAE as both a regional AI hub and a significant technology exporter. The AI for Development Initiative leverages this domestic expertise to project influence and foster technological partnerships abroad.
About The AI for Development Initiative
The AI for Development Initiative is a $1 billion UAE-led program designed to expand AI infrastructure and AI-enabled services across the African continent. It aims to develop digital infrastructure, improve government services, and enhance productivity in key sectors including education, healthcare, and climate adaptation. The initiative is implemented by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) in cooperation with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency.
Source: Middle East AI News
