The United Arab Emirates announced a major investment push on Saturday, unveiling a $1 billion “AI for Development” program designed to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure and digital services throughout Africa. The initiative aims to support national development strategies across the continent, particularly in sectors that stand to benefit from rapid technological advancement.
The announcement was made by UAE Minister of State Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri during the G20 summit in Johannesburg, where the UAE was invited as a guest by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. Although not a G20 member, the UAE used the platform to highlight its expanding global role in AI innovation and African economic development.
Goals: Education, Healthcare, Climate Resilience
Al Hajeri said the program is intended to accelerate the deployment of AI tools in public services such as education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, and climate adaptation, areas many African governments have identified as priorities.
“Artificial intelligence is not simply an emerging sector—it is foundational to humanity’s future,” Al Hajeri said, adding that the UAE is committed to building AI systems that are “responsible, inclusive, and capable of driving sustainable economic growth.”UAE–Africa Economic Ties Continue to Grow.
The UAE has become one of Africa’s most significant foreign investors. According to figures released alongside the announcement:
UAE–Africa bilateral trade reached about $107 billion in 2024, marking a 28% rise from the previous year.
Total UAE investments in Africa exceeded $118 billion from 2020 to 2024, spanning energy, logistics, agriculture, technology, and transport.
Analysts say the new AI initiative complements Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy of strengthening digital partnerships with African economies, many of which are seeking to expand broadband internet access, develop digital identity systems, and modernize public institutions.
AI Push Backed by Domestic Investment
The UAE is simultaneously building out its own AI capabilities, including plans for one of the world’s largest data-center clusters, powered by U.S. technology and designed to support next-generation AI models and cloud services.
Officials say the domestic expansion is essential to supporting global partnerships like the new Africa-focused initiative.
Source:Africa Publicity
