The UAE announced on Saturday (November 22) it will invest US$1 billion to expand AI infrastructure and AI-enabled services across Africa, aiming to support national development priorities.
UAE Minister of State Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri unveiled the “AI for development initiative” at the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg, Reuters reported.
The program will bring AI technology to sectors such as education, healthcare, and climate adaptation.
“We consider AI not just as a future industry but a cornerstone of humanity’s future,”
Al Hajeri said.
“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.”
The UAE, one of Africa’s largest investors, saw its bilateral trade reach about $107 billion in 2024, a 28% increase from 2023, with total investments in Africa exceeding US$118 billion between 2020 and 2024.
Abu Dhabi is also planning one of the world’s largest data-center hubs with U.S. technology.
Although not a G20 member, the UAE was invited to the summit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, hosting the meeting for the first time in Africa.
Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Middle East, based on image by WangXiNa via Freepik
