Through Candid Edwards
November 25, 2025
Africa will receive a $1 billion injection into its technology and artificial intelligence infrastructure.
On November 22, the United Arab Emirates announced a $1 billion investment to expand artificial intelligence infrastructure and services across Africa.
According to the Emirates News Agency, the effort is “AI for development initiative”, aims to support education, healthcare and climate adaptation technology on the continent.
UAE Foreign Minister Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri unveiled the initiative during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg. The initiative indicates a deeper push of Abu Dhabi to strengthen ties with African governments and companies. The UAE’s bilateral trade with Africa amounted to roughly $107 billion in 2024, and investments between 2020 and 2024 amounted to $118 billion.
The fund will focus on building data center capacity, deploying AI applications in healthcare systems and setting up training programs for local talent.
“Why is Africa strategically important to the UAE?” Hajeri told reporters at the summit. “You know the relationship between the UAE and Africa has lasted more than 53 years. So it’s nothing new. It’s a natural relationship between people and people that stretches throughout history. Investors in Africa have no choice, and we are actually welcome. We find that our investment in Africa is welcome. We see value in both. It’s good for Africa, and it’s good for us. And we’re investing across the board.”
Pilgrimage considered AI as “not just as a future industry, but as a cornerstone of humanity’s future.” He added that his country is “actively accelerating innovation to increase productivity and drive significant progress in the global economy, with a strong commitment to developing responsible and inclusive AI for the benefit of all.”
African officials welcomed the investment. Ghana’s ICT minister described the plan as “a groundbreaking opportunity” to Reuters. Meanwhile, South Africa’s Higher Education Minister said the initiative could help narrow the tech skills gap on the continent.
Under the initiative, priority areas will include AI implementations in rural healthcare, climate-resilient urban planning systems and AI-enabled education tools. Reuters said the UAE will work with governments, foundations and private sector companies to develop local infrastructure. The fund is expected to be deployed in phases over several years with the aim of stimulating sustainable growth and digital transformation.
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