Abu dhabi: The UAE has announced the launch of the 'AI for Development' initiative, worth US$1 billion, to support and finance artificial intelligence projects in African countries. The initiative aims to bolster economic and social development across the continent by developing digital infrastructure, enhancing government services, and improving productivity.
According to Emirates News Agency, the announcement was made during the speech delivered by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at the G20 summit. 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 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 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. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Chairman of the Exports Executive Committee of ADEX, stated that ADEX's leadership of the AI for Development initiative reflects the UAE's belief in artificial intelligence as a force for advancing equitable growth and sustainable development.
He added that integrating AI technologies into sectors like education, agriculture, and infrastructure opens new horizons for inclusive development. Through this initiative, the UAE aims to empower its 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.
Al Suwaidi highlighted that the initiative builds on the humanitarian and developmental legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and reflects the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The commitment of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, is aimed at supporting communities and improving lives through landmark development projects.
Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Foreign Aid Agency, reiterated the UAE's leading humanitarian and developmental role in supporting communities and enhancing capacities. He emphasized that the UAE continues to implement high-impact initiatives worldwide, including leveraging AI tools and solutions to drive development in African nations.
Al Ameri explained that the AI for Development initiative reflects the UAE's enduring commitment to strengthening global solidarity and advancing cooperative development to improve living standards for communities worldwide, particularly those facing significant developmental challenges across key sectors. He stressed the importance of such transformative initiatives for many African countries to meet needs in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
The AI for Development initiative is dedicated to African countries and forms part of the UAE's broader foreign assistance to the continent. Since 1971, the UAE has provided more than AED152 billion in aid to African nations. Through this new initiative, the UAE continues its global leadership role by strengthening the contribution of UAE donor entities, through the UAE Foreign Aid Agency and in cooperation with ADEX, to implement AI-driven development projects across Africa.
This landmark initiative underscores the UAE's global standing as a leading hub for cutting-edge technologies and smart systems, helping advance innovation, development, and modernization at regional and international levels while providing creative solutions to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.