The United Arab Emirates has launched the AI for Development initiative, worth $1 billion, to support and finance artificial intelligence projects in African countries.
The AI for Development initiative aims to bolster economic and social development across the continent by developing digital infrastructure, enhancing government services and improving productivity.
The AI for Development initiative was launched during the speech delivered by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at the G20 summit, where he reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to driving sustainable growth through broader international partnerships and innovative financing solutions that support development in emerging economies.
The AI for Development initiative will be implemented by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), part of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, in cooperation with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency.
This partnership reflects the UAE’s role in enabling developing countries to benefit from advanced technologies and harness the power of artificial intelligence to support comprehensive development.
The AI for Development initiative aims to help developing countries overcome key developmental challenges by integrating artificial intelligence technologies into essential sectors such as education, agriculture and infrastructure, creating innovative solutions that accelerate growth and expand opportunities for sustainable development.
The initiative also aligns with the UAE’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy and further strengthens its position as a global hub for the development and application of AI technologies for the benefit of societies.
HE Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi Director-General – ADFD, Chairman – Exports Executive Committee, ADEX
“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. By combining technology, financing and partnerships, we aim to support developing countries in overcoming developmental challenges and building long-term economic resilience.”
Al Suwaidi added that, ”Integrating AI technologies into the education, agriculture and infrastructure sectors opens new horizons for inclusive development. Through this initiative, we aim to empower UAE enterprises to implement pioneering, high-impact development projects that strengthen economic and technological cooperation between the UAE and African countries, while supporting the achievement of global sustainable development goals.”
Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Foreign Aid Agency, reaffirmed the UAE’s leading humanitarian and developmental role in supporting communities, enhancing capacities and meeting needs in line with the legacy of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Al Ameri explained that the AI for Development initiative reflects the UAE’s enduring commitment to strengthening global solidarity and advancing cooperative development to build a better future for all and improve living standards for communities worldwide, particularly those facing significant developmental challenges across key sectors.
The AI for Development initiative is dedicated to African countries and forms part of the UAE’s broader foreign assistance to the continent.
