By 
$1 Billion AI Programme Targets Africa’s Digital and Economic Transformation
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled a US$1 billion “AI for Development” initiative aimed at accelerating digital infrastructure development, productivity and public service delivery across African countries.
RELATED: Angola’s Role in Africa’s AI-Driven Infrastructure Growth
The initiative will finance and support the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to address critical development challenges across key sectors including education, agriculture, healthcare and infrastructure, reinforcing Africa’s journey toward inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Announcement at G20 Signals UAE’s Global Development Commitment
The announcement was made at the G20 Summit during a keynote address by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, who reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to fostering sustainable development through international partnerships, innovative financing, and emerging technologies in developing economies.
The initiative underscores the UAE’s growing role as a global partner in leveraging advanced technologies to drive development outcomes across Africa.
Implementation Led by ADEX and UAE Foreign Aid Agency
The Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX)—part of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)—will lead the implementation of the AI for Development initiative, working in close collaboration with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency.
The partnership reflects a coordinated national approach to enabling African countries to harness AI technologies to enhance governance, service delivery and long-term economic resilience.
AI to Drive Development Across Education, Agriculture and Infrastructure
The AI for Development initiative is designed to help African nations integrate AI technologies into essential economic and social sectors, creating innovative solutions that improve productivity, efficiency and access.
Targeted focus areas include:
- Education: AI-driven learning platforms and skills development
- Agriculture: Smart farming, yield optimisation and climate resilience
- Infrastructure: Digital systems to support planning, monitoring and service delivery
The programme aims to expand opportunity, accelerate innovation and support sustainable development across the continent.
UAE Positions AI as a Catalyst for Equitable Growth
Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Chairman of the Exports Executive Committee of ADEX, said the initiative reflects the UAE’s belief in AI as a transformative tool for inclusive growth.
“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,” Al Suwaidi said.
He added that combining technology, financing and partnerships will enable developing countries to overcome structural challenges while building long-term economic resilience.
Strengthening UAE–Africa Economic and Technology Cooperation
Al Suwaidi noted that the initiative will also empower UAE enterprises to implement high-impact AI projects across Africa, deepening economic and technological cooperation between the UAE and African countries while advancing global sustainable development goals.
He emphasised that integrating AI into development efforts opens new frontiers for inclusive growth and innovation across the continent.
UAE Foreign Aid Agency Reaffirms Development Leadership
Dr Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Foreign Aid Agency, highlighted the initiative as part of the UAE’s enduring humanitarian and development legacy.
He reaffirmed the country’s commitment to supporting African nations through high-impact, technology-driven initiatives, particularly in sectors such as education, healthcare and infrastructure, where AI can deliver transformative outcomes.
AI for Development Aligned with UAE’s Knowledge Economy Vision
The initiative aligns with the UAE’s long-term vision of building a knowledge-based economy and consolidates its position as a global hub for artificial intelligence innovation and application.
It also builds on the humanitarian legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and reflects the leadership vision of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, alongside the commitment of the UAE’s current leadership to improving lives through transformative global development projects.
Longstanding UAE Support for Africa
The AI for Development initiative forms part of the UAE’s broader foreign assistance to Africa. Since 1971, the UAE has provided more than AED 152 billion in development aid to African nations.
Through this new programme, the UAE aims to strengthen the role of its donor institutions and accelerate the deployment of AI-driven development solutions across the continent.
A Landmark Step Toward Africa’s Digital Future
The launch of the AI for Development initiative underscores the UAE’s global standing as a leader in cutting-edge technologies, smart systems and innovative development financing, offering African countries new pathways to inclusive growth, digital transformation and sustainable development.
