The United Arab Emirates has unveiled a major new funding commitment for Artificial Intelligence development across Africa, pledging $1 billion to support projects ranging from digital identity systems to climate-focused technologies. The announcement was made by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, during the G20 summit in Johannesburg, where the UAE participated as an invited guest.
The investment will be directed toward initiatives in education, agriculture, health care, digital identity and climate adaptation, according to UAE officials. The move reflects the UAE’s wider ambition to cement its role as a global player in AI, with the country already spending heavily on digital transformation and infrastructure.
The UAE has in recent years deepened its economic ties with African nations. It is currently the fourth-largest investor on the continent and has signed multiple digital infrastructure agreements with countries including Egypt and Kenya. Bilateral trade between the UAE and Africa reached $107 billion in 2024, representing a 28% rise compared with the previous year, according to sources.
The newly announced funding is part of an initiative titled AI for Development, which will be overseen by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX). In a statement released through the Abu Dhabi Media Office, officials said the programme would support African governments as they expand digital public infrastructure (DPI) and national AI capabilities.
Across the continent, governments are developing or advancing national digital identity schemes and broader digital public systems, while several countries are at various stages of preparing or implementing AI strategies. Recent discussions hosted by the Atlantic Council have highlighted the challenges many African nations face in rolling out biometrics and digital ID systems, and the need for stronger policy frameworks to guide implementation.
The UAE’s contribution is expected to accelerate these efforts by offering both financial and technological support. Officials said the aim is to help countries improve access to digital services in both public administration and the private sector, with a long-term view of strengthening social and economic participation.
“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,” ADEX Director-General Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi said.
He highlighted education and agriculture as two areas where AI, when integrated with DPIs, could create new opportunities for inclusive economic progress. “Through this initiative, we aim to empower UAE enterprises to implement pioneering, high-impact development projects that strengthen economic and technological cooperation between the UAE and African countries, while supporting the achievement of global sustainable development goals.”
Dr Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, chairman of the UAE Foreign Aid Agency, also welcomed the initiative. He said it aligns with the government’s broader commitment to supporting high-impact development projects through its foreign assistance policy.
With a growing number of African nations pushing ahead with digital identity programmes and AI strategies, the funding is expected to play a central role in driving momentum. The UAE said the investment reflects its focus on international development partnerships and its intention to support countries working to expand digital access, improve service delivery and strengthen resilience in the face of global challenges.
