Dubai: Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), through the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), has joined forces with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) to launch a dedicated AI trade and investment hub. This initiative aims to accelerate cross-border collaboration and create new opportunities for AI startups and investors across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.
According to Emirates News Agency, the initiative has the backing of regional partners, including those from Europe. DCAI, founded 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 managed by DFF, is the Middle East launch partner. The hub will work to overcome market access and capital barriers, serving as a catalyst for trade, innovation exchange, and responsible AI development in emerging markets with high potential.
Saeed Al Falasi, Director of DCAI, stated, "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, commented, "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 successes, such as the $628 million acquisition of Tunisian AI startup InstaDeep, underscore Africa's untapped AI potential. The new hub aims to connect startups with investors, support business expansion, and amplify the voices of emerging AI ecosystems.
Dr. Bradshaw further added, "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."