The United Arab Emirates has unveiled the first of its kind funding program dubbed AI for Development that aims to speed up the adoption of artificial intelligence across African countries. The initiative is valued at $1 billion and aims is to support AI-driven projects in key sectors such as digital infrastructure, education, agriculture and public services.
The announcement was made H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. In his address, he said the UAE is committed to building stronger international partnerships that help emerging economies unlock the benefits of advanced technology.
The initiative will be led by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office. This is the export financing arm of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. It will work closely with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency to identify and support projects across Africa. The goal is to provide both financing and technical expertise that can help African governments and private sector players integrate AI into essential services.
According to H.E. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD and Chairman of the Exports Executive Committee at ADEX, AI has the potential to create more inclusive growth across developing countries. He said the initiative will empower UAE companies to deliver high impact projects in Africa and build long term technological cooperation between the regions.
The UAE says that AI adoption can help African nations address long standing challenges in key areas such as food security, access to quality education and the delivery of public services. Using AI could introduce new levels of efficiency and productivity, especially in agriculture, digital public services and infrastructure management.
Dr Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Foreign Aid Agency, added that AI for Development is part of the UAE’s broader commitment to humanitarian and development work across the continent. He highlighted that many African governments are actively looking for new technologies that can support economic growth, improve service delivery and raise living standards.
The UAE hopes that the initiative will support innovation, encourage cross regional partnerships and enable African institutions to build capacities in advanced technologies. As the global race to develop and apply AI accelerates, the program positions Africa and the Middle East as important collaborators in shaping the future of digital development.
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