The UAE has launched a $1 billion initiative to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure and AI-driven services across Africa. The announcement was made by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, during the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg. The programme will offer African countries access to AI computing power, specialist expertise and global partnerships to advance projects in education, healthcare, agriculture, digital identity and climate adaptation.
According to UAE Minister of State Saeed Al Hajeri, the initiative reflects the Emirates’ intention to use artificial intelligence to support national development objectives across the Global South. The UAE ranks second globally in AI capability, backed by more than 188,000 AI chips and a power capacity of 6.4K megawatts. Recent US authorisation for Nvidia to export AI chips to the UAE’s G42 and Saudi Arabia’s Humain further strengthens regional efforts to broaden economic diversification.
Al Hajeri noted that the UAE’s engagement in Africa goes beyond technology, citing major clean energy investments, humanitarian assistance and expanding trade relations. The Emirates delivered over $1 billion in aid to African countries last year and remains one of the continent’s largest investors, with bilateral trade reaching roughly $107 billion in 2024.
