Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), through the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), has partnered with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) to launch a dedicated AI trade and investment hub.
The AI trade and investment hub aims to fast-track cross-border collaboration and unlock new avenues for AI startups and investors across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
The regional partners behind the AI trade and investment hub initiative, include from Europe. DCAI, established by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of DFF, and overseen by DFF, is the Middle East launch partner.
By addressing barriers around market access and capital, the AI trade and investment hub will serve as a catalyst for trade, innovation exchange, and responsible AI development in high-potential, emerging markets.
Saeed Al Falasi Executive Director – DFF, Director – Dubai Center for AI
“AI is redrawing the map of global opportunity, and cross-continental collaboration is key to navigating it. This partnership is designed to help ideas, talent, and capital flow freely across borders. By connecting dynamic and fast-growing ecosystems, we’re supporting startups in emerging markets and shaping a more inclusive future in AI. As a global crossroads of trade, capital, and talent, Dubai is a place where bold ideas can take root and be exported to the world.”
Dr. Nick Bradshaw, Founder and Chairman of SAAIA, said that, “AI investment is growing rapidly across Europe and the Middle East, but Africa’s innovation landscape is underrepresented, despite being home to some of the most dynamic startups in the world. Our partnership with the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence and other partners is a strategic step to help close that gap by giving African startups greater access to global capital, markets, and networks.”
Recent success stories such as the $628 million acquisition of Tunisian AI startup InstaDeep highlight Africa’s untapped AI potential. The new hub will matchmake startups and investors, support business expansion, and amplify the voices of emerging AI ecosystems.
Dr. Bradshaw added that, “This isn’t just a symbolic partnership, it’s a functional pipeline for AI-driven trade and investment between Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. It’s time to act, and we’re thrilled to be moving forward with Dubai as our regional partner.”
