On November 22, 2025, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, the United Arab Emirates announced a $1 billion investment program to strengthen digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence capabilities across the African continent. This initiative comes at a time when Africa represents only about three percent of the global artificial intelligence market, according to estimates published over the past two years, even though its working-age population is projected to exceed one billion by 2035, according to international organizations. This gap between potential and investment highlights the need for significant financial support to develop data platforms, high-capacity networks, and specialized skills.

Abu Dhabi intends to consolidate its technological presence by supporting the construction of data centers, the expansion of Africa's sovereign cloud, and the establishment of advanced training programs in machine learning and data processing. The Emirati authorities are also relying on public-private partnerships to broaden access to digital solutions in strategic sectors such as health, education, and agribusiness. These types of projects respond to the growing demand from African governments, which are seeking to catch up in terms of digital infrastructure while developing local skills capable of supporting a competitive technological ecosystem.

This announcement is part of the United Arab Emirates' long-term strategy to become a global hub for artificial intelligence by diversifying its alliances and establishing a presence in regions where digital demand is growing most rapidly. By investing in high-potential emerging markets, Abu Dhabi seeks to strengthen its role in technology value chains and build lasting partnerships with African states committed to digital transformation.