The United Arab Emirates announced on Saturday that it plans to invest $1 billion to develop more AI infrastructure and AI-enabled services in Africa, and it will 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, indicating it would introduce AI technology to various fields, including education, healthcare, and climate adaptation.
In a statement, he stated that “We consider 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 added.
The UAE is the largest investor in Africa. The statement reported that its bilateral trade was around $107 billion in 2024, an increase of 28 percent in the past year, and its total investments in Africa went to above $118 billion between 2020 and 2024.
Abu Dhabi is putting a significant investment in AI, and it is planning to establish one of the largest data-center hubs globally within the nation using American technology.
Although the UAE is not a member of the Group of 20 anymore, which brings together the largest economies of the world, it was invited to the meeting by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was hosting the G20 leaders’ summit for the first time in Africa.
