Prime Highlights
- The UAE has announced a $1 billion investment in AI projectsin Africa, aiming to strengthen its role in the continent’s digital economy.
- By funding digital infrastructure and innovation hubs, the UAE positions itself as a key technological partnerbetween the US and China in emerging markets.
Key Facts
- Over the past two years, the UAE has signed 20 agreements with African governmentsand pledged $2.2 billion for data centres, cloud regions, and digital hubs.
- Current projects include a $90 million cloud and data centre in Angolaand a $1 billion innovation hub in Accra, Ghana, with more underway in Rwanda, Senegal, and Zimbabwe.
Background
The United Arab Emirates is stepping up its push into Africa’s fast-growing digital economy, committing billions of dollars to artificial intelligence projects across the continent. At the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg on 22 November, UAE minister of state Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri announced a fresh $1bn investment to build AI infrastructure, marking a major boost to the country’s global technology ambitions.
New findings from The Observer’s Global AI Index show that the UAE has rapidly expanded its footprint in Africa since the global AI race accelerated. In the past two years, Abu Dhabi has signed 20 agreements with African governments and pledged $2.2bn for data centres, cloud regions, and digital hubs, on top of the G20 commitment.
Analysts say the UAE aims to position itself as a “middle player” in the technological competition between the US and China. By funding large-scale digital infrastructure in emerging markets, it is offering itself as a stable and well-resourced partner for countries looking to grow their AI capabilities.
Current UAE-backed partnerships include a $90m cloud and data centre project in Angola and a $1bn innovation hub in Accra, Ghana. More partnerships are in progress with governments in Rwanda, Senegal, and Zimbabwe. Experts say Africa’s need for jobs, investment, and digital services makes these collaborations especially attractive.
Some projects may take time to start, but industry experts say the UAE’s early involvement in Africa’s AI sector strengthens its influence over the long term. Companies like Presight AI already provide data and analytics support in eight African countries, building stronger ties and speeding up local expertise.
The UAE’s strong funding and neutral political position give Africa a good chance to grow its digital infrastructure. For the UAE, these partnerships boost its status as a leading AI player in the region.
