The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a $1 billion investment initiative aimed at accelerating artificial intelligence (AI) development and expanding digital services across Africa, reinforcing its growing influence in the continent’s tech landscape.
Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, UAE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, disclosed the plan during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Saturday, according to Bloomberg. The commitment marks one of the UAE’s most ambitious efforts yet to support Africa’s digital transformation.
Funding to Strengthen AI Capacity and Upgrade Public Services
According to Al Hajeri, the investment will focus on rapidly expanding AI-ready infrastructure, improving government service delivery, and boosting efficiency across major economic sectors.
“It will provide access to AI computing power, technical expertise, and global partnerships,” he said.
“It aims to help developing countries tackle key development challenges by integrating AI technologies across critical sectors.”
The UAE, which is investing heavily in AI both domestically and in the United States—has now emerged as the fourth-largest investor in Africa, the minister noted.
Support for Education, Agriculture, Healthcare and Climate Projects
The initiative is designed to help African nations adopt AI-driven solutions in education, agriculture, healthcare, digital identity systems, and climate adaptation.
Experts say advanced digital identity tools could improve access to public services, strengthen governance, and streamline social programmes across the continent.
Al Hajeri added that the UAE intends to ensure that emerging AI capabilities are shared more broadly across developing nations.
“Our goal now is to ensure these capabilities benefit partners across the global South, and that no country is left behind in the AI age,” he said.
Boosting Africa’s Position in the Global AI Economy
Industry analysts believe the UAE’s investment will enhance Africa’s competitiveness as global demand for AI technologies continues to grow. Access to computing capacity, technical expertise and new partnerships is expected to unlock fresh opportunities for innovation, job creation and sustainable development.
The initiative positions the UAE as a central partner in Africa’s digital evolution—one that could reshape the continent’s technological and economic future.
