UAE commits $1 billion to AI projects in Africa
Sci & Tech
By
David Njaaga
| Oct 22, 2026
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is backing a US$1 billion (Sh129.8 billion) initiative to help African countries use artificial intelligence in education, agriculture and infrastructure.
The AI for Development initiative aims to support projects that apply artificial intelligence to development challenges, improve public services and expand digital infrastructure across the continent.
The programme also seeks to strengthen local capacity and equip African countries with skills needed to participate in the global artificial intelligence economy.
The initiative has gained international communications recognition after Global Advisors Communications (GA), a UAE-based firm, won two awards at the 2026 PRNEWS Platinum Awards for its “AI Powers Africa” campaign.
The firm won Platinum Elite – Best Campaign of the Year and Campaign of the Year: Technology for a campaign that reached audiences in more than 17 African countries in under 90 days through media engagement.
READ MORE
East African summit targets skills gaps, cross-border employment
Kenya courts foreign contractors to boost affordable housing projects
Nairobi's financial hub status puts capital city on global investors' radar
Dangote buys 25pc of Kenya Pipeline for Sh42.5b
Slash cost of doing business, CEOs urge government
Kenyan AI innovators win US$10,000 at inaugural Meta AI Academy Pitchathon
Nairobi's luxury market draws global watch brands
African ministers back regional shipping plan to cut trade costs
A decade of tea sector reforms that left farmers with bitter taste
Bad loans hit Sh60b as Sacco regulator blames non-remittance of dues
The awards were presented in New York on October 6, 2026.
Global Advisors Communications Chief Executive Officer and Founding Partner Shady Gohary said the firm was proud to promote the UAE's development agenda across the continent.
“We thank the UAE for the vision behind this initiative and its commitment to advancing development through technology. We are proud to support that vision by bringing its story to audiences across Africa — where investment in skills and innovation can empower communities to shape their own future,” Gohary said.
The initiative is intended to support projects that apply artificial intelligence to development priorities across Africa.