The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced the launch of the ‘AI for Development’ initiative worth $1 billion to support and fund artificial intelligence (AI) projects in African countries.
The initiative aims to foster economic and social development across the continent by developing digital infrastructure, strengthening government services and increasing productivity.
The announcement was made during a speech by His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at the G20 Summit, where he reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth through broader international partnerships and innovative financing solutions to support the development of emerging economies.
The initiative will be implemented by the Abu Dhabi Export Authority (ADEX), part of the Abu Dhabi Development Fund, in collaboration with the UAE Foreign Assistance Agency.
This partnership reflects the UAE’s role in enabling developing countries to benefit from advanced technology and leverage the power of artificial intelligence to support inclusive development.
The initiative aims to help developing countries overcome major development challenges by integrating artificial intelligence technologies into critical sectors such as education, agriculture and infrastructure, creating innovative solutions that accelerate growth and expand opportunities for sustainable development.
This initiative is also in line with the UAE’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy, further strengthening its position as a global hub for the development and application of AI technologies for the benefit of society.
Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Executive Director of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Chairman of the ADEX Export Executive Committee, said: “ADEX’s leadership in the AI for Development initiative reflects the UAE’s belief that artificial intelligence is a real force for driving equitable growth and sustainable development. By combining technology, financing and partnerships, we aim to help developing countries overcome development challenges and build long-term economic resilience.”
He added: “The integration of AI technologies into the education, agriculture and infrastructure sectors opens new horizons for inclusive development. Through this initiative, we aim to enable UAE companies to implement pioneering and high-impact development projects that strengthen economic and technological cooperation between the UAE and African countries, while supporting the achievement of the global Sustainable Development Goals.”
Mr. Al Suwaidi stressed that this initiative builds on the humanitarian and development legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and reflects the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and the commitment of Vice President Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and President of the Presidential Court, and His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed. Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, was committed to supporting communities and improving lives through ground-breaking development projects and initiatives launched from the UAE to the world.
Dr Tarek Ahmed Al Ameri, Director-General of the UAE Foreign Assistance Agency, reaffirmed the UAE’s leading humanitarian and development role in supporting communities, strengthening their capacity and responding to their needs, in line with the legacy of the late Founding Father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
He highlighted that the UAE continues to implement high-impact initiatives around the world, including leveraging AI tools and solutions to accelerate development in African countries.
Al Ameri explained that the AI for Development initiative reflects the UAE’s enduring commitment to strengthening global solidarity and promoting cooperative development to build a better future for all and improve the living standards of communities around the world, especially those facing critical development challenges across key sectors.
Al Ameri also emphasized that many African countries need such transformative initiatives to meet their diverse needs in education, healthcare and infrastructure, at a time when the UAE is outperforming a number of international indicators reflecting technological and digital progress in key sectors and solidifying its position as a global center for artificial intelligence.
The AI for Development initiative targets African countries and forms part of the UAE’s broader foreign assistance to the continent.
Since 1971, the UAE has provided more than Dh152 billion in aid to African countries, and through this new initiative, it continues its role as a global leader by strengthening the contribution of UAE aid agencies, through the UAE Foreign Assistance Agency and in collaboration with ADEX, to implement AI-driven development projects across Africa.
This landmark initiative will help drive innovation, development and modernization at regional and international levels, while providing creative solutions to drive inclusive and sustainable growth, underscoring the UAE’s global position as a leading hub for cutting-edge technology and smart systems.
