The UAE’s newly announced US$1 billion AI for Development initiative could provide Kenya with a rare opportunity to move from ambitious AI policy to real-world implementation.
The initiative was unveiled during the G20 Summit by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
The announcement comes at a critical moment for Kenya. In March, the government launched its National AI Strategy 2025–2030, positioning the country as Africa’s leading AI hub for model innovation, research and applied solutions that drive economic growth and social inclusion.
Crucially, the strategy acknowledges that partnerships-not isolation-will determine Africa’s AI winners. It prioritises AI-driven transformation across digital public infrastructure, agriculture, health, climate resilience, education, talent development, public–private partnerships, and ethical AI governance.
However, ambition comes with a price tag. The government estimates it will require at least KSh 152 billion (approximately US$1.19 billion) to fully implement the strategy. Speaking at the strategy’s launch, ICT and Digital Economy Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo emphasised that success would depend heavily on adequate funding and robust regulatory frameworks.
Against this backdrop, the UAE’s AI for Development Fund closely mirrors Kenya’s stated priorities-raising the prospect of strategic alignment rather than parallel efforts.
What the UAE’s AI for Development initiative offers
The AI for Development initiative is dedicated to African countries and will be implemented by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) in cooperation with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency.
The fund aims to support economic and social development across the continent by:
- Developing digital infrastructure
- Enhancing government services
- Improving productivity in sectors such as education, agriculture, and infrastructure
According to Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Chairman of ADEX’s Exports Executive Committee, the initiative reflects the UAE’s belief that AI can be a practical force for equitable growth.
“By combining technology, financing and partnerships, we aim to support developing countries in overcoming developmental challenges and building long-term economic resilience,” Al Suwaidi said.
He added that integrating AI into education, agriculture, and infrastructure opens new pathways for inclusive development-while also enabling UAE enterprises to implement high-impact projects that strengthen economic and technological cooperation with African countries.
The national strategy already highlights AI-enabled digital public services, climate-smart agriculture platforms and data-driven healthcare systems. Even with that, to funding and capacity constraints affect their implementation.
The UAE initiative could assist bridge this gap as it can pair financing with technical expertise and delivery partners. It also aligns with Kenya’s push for public–private partnerships.
The AI for Development initiative targets the entire African continent but Kenya’s relatively mature digital ecosystem, strong startup scene and clear national AI roadmap may position it as an attractive early beneficiary.
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