$1B African AI Infrastructure Expansion Unveiled by UAE at G20 Summit

The UAE has announced a $1 billion commitment to support the expansion of AI infrastructure and AI-enabled services across Africa, outlining a strategy that places emerging technology within national development priorities. The announcement was delivered by Minister of State Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri during the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg, where the UAE participated as an invited guest of South Africa.

The initiative targets areas where digital tools are becoming part of long-term planning across the continent, including education, healthcare, and climate-related adaptation. By directing investment toward these sectors, the programme aligns with a broader shift among African governments seeking to integrate AI into service delivery and economic planning.

The UAE has been increasing its economic presence across Africa over the past several years. Bilateral trade reached an estimated $107 billion in 2024, and investments between 2020 and 2024 exceeded $118 billion, reflecting growing engagement across infrastructure, logistics, and technology.

Domestically, the UAE has been scaling its own AI capabilities, including plans for one of the largest data-centre hubs being built with US technology. The announcement in Johannesburg signals an intention to extend that momentum outward, linking the country’s AI ambitions with African development initiatives.