UAE plans $1b investment to boost African AI Infrastructure

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) plans to invest $1 billion to support the development of artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure and services across African countries.

UAE Minister of State Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri said the "AI for development initiative", announced at the G20 summit in Johannesburg, aims to support African countries in developing digital and AI infrastructure and expanding the use of AI technologies and services across various sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture, digital identity, and climate adaptation.

In a statement cited by Reuters, he said the UAE considers AI not just as a future industry but a cornerstone of humanity's future.

"Therefore, my country is actively accelerating innovation to enhance productivity and drive significant advancements in the global economy, with a strong commitment to developing responsible and inclusive AI for the benefit of everyone,” he said.

The investment aims to support developing countries in overcoming various challenges with the help of AI. This comes as the UAE aims to position itself as “a global hub for the development and application of AI technologies”, investing billions of dollars in AI infrastructure and development.

“It will provide access to AI computing power, technical expertise, and global partnerships,” Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri further explained, according to Bloomberg. “It aims to support developing countries to overcome key developmental challenges by integrating AI technologies into these sectors.”

In a statement, the UAE said the initiative 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.

The UAE is one of Africa’s biggest investors, with bilateral trade reaching approximately $107 billion in 2024 and total investments valued at over $118 billion between 2020 and 2024, according to Reuters.

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Chairman of the Exports Executive Committee of ADEX, said:

“ADEX’s leadership of the AI for Development initiative reflects the UAE’s belief that artificial intelligence is a real force for advancing equitable growth and sustainable development. By combining technology, financing and partnerships, we aim to support developing countries in overcoming developmental challenges and building long-term economic resilience.”