The United Arab Emirates announced on Saturday that it will invest $1 billion to expand AI infrastructure and AI-powered services across Africa, aiming to support countries in achieving their national development goals.
UAE Minister of State Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri unveiled the “AI for Development Initiative” at the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg.
He said the programme will bring advanced AI tools into key sectors, including education, healthcare, and climate adaptation.
“We consider AI not just as a future industry but a cornerstone of humanity’s future,” he said in a statement.
“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.”
Deepening economic ties with Africa
The UAE is already one of Africa’s major investors, joining the United States, China, and the European Union in committing billions of dollars to the continent’s renewable energy, tourism, and infrastructure sectors.
Bilateral trade between the UAE and African nations reached roughly $107 billion in 2024, a 28% jump from the previous year, while Emirati investments totalled more than $118 billion between 2020 and 2024, the statement said.
Abu Dhabi itself is rapidly scaling up its AI capabilities, including plans to develop one of the world’s largest data-centre hubs using U.S. technology.
Although the UAE is not a member of the Group of 20, it attended the summit at the invitation of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is hosting the G20 gathering in Africa for the first time.
Source: Africabusinessinsider
