UAE eyes strategic expansion in Africa with $1bn AI investment
The United Arab Emirates has announced its intention to invest $1 billion in artificial intelligence infrastructure and services throughout Africa, with the goal of speeding up digital transformation and boosting its strategic influence in the region.
This was revealed by UAE’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg on Saturday, according to Bloomberg.
This initiative establishes the Gulf nation as a significant player in Africa’s AI-fueled development.
Al Hajeri stated that the investment will focus on enhancing digital infrastructure, modernizing government services, and increasing productivity in vital sectors.
“It will enable access to AI computing resources, technical knowledge, and international collaborations,” he mentioned. “The aim is to assist developing nations in addressing key developmental hurdles by integrating AI technologies into their sectors.”
The UAE, which has already committed billions to AI initiatives at home and in the US, has emerged as Africa’s fourth-largest investor, according to Al Hajeri.
The minister noted that the AI initiative would facilitate the implementation of projects in education, agriculture, healthcare, digital identity, and climate adaptation within African countries.
“Our current objective is to ensure these resources benefit partners across the global South, ensuring that no nation is overlooked in the era of AI,” he stated.
Experts suggest that this investment could enhance Africa’s competitive advantage as global demand for AI solutions increases. Improved digital identity systems are anticipated to make access to social services easier.
Previous reports have indicated that Nigeria’s Federal Government has entered into a significant partnership with the United Arab Emirates to train seven million Nigerian youth in advanced digital skills, entrepreneurship, and expose them to global opportunities.
The agreement was established during a high-profile visit to the UAE by Nigeria’s Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Ayodele Olawande.
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