The UAE announces the launch of the “Artificial Intelligence for Development” initiative in Africa, worth one billion dollars

On behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, participated in the G20 summit meetings held in the city of Johannesburg in the Republic of South Africa, in the presence of leaders, leaders and heads of government of member states.

His Highness delivered the United Arab Emirates’ speech during the opening session at the summit, which was held under the title: “Building Our Economies; The Role of Trade, Financing Development and the Burden of Debt,” where he began by conveying the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, to the participating leaders and his wishes for them success in the work of the summit, expressing his thanks to the President of the friendly Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa, for his invitation to the UAE to participate in the work of the current summit.

During the speech, His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed that this meeting embodies the spirit of global partnership, supports market interconnection and deepens economic integration across various countries and regions.

His Highness also indicated that the UAE is continuously working with its partners to strengthen the path of global economic cooperation, and to establish the foundations of a balanced and transparent international trading system that allows for a more comprehensive and effective participation of developing countries in shaping the future of the global trading system, by supporting access to the best financing solutions, and developing development and investment projects in the fields of advanced technology, energy, health, and agriculture, with a focus on building capabilities, exchanging knowledge and experiences, empowering communities, and creating quality economic opportunities that enhance the comprehensive development process.

In his speech before the summit, His Highness the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi announced the UAE’s launch of the “Artificial Intelligence for Development” initiative, which allocates one billion US dollars to finance artificial intelligence projects in countries of the African continent, with the aim of supporting economic and social development by strengthening the digital infrastructure system and upgrading government services, to raise productivity and improve the quality of life.

At the conclusion of his speech at the summit, His Highness renewed the UAE’s commitment to working with all its partners in the G20 to advance the process of development and prosperity throughout the world.

During his participation in the G20 summit, His Highness is accompanied by a delegation that includes Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation; Mohammed Hassan Al Suwaidi, Minister of Investment; Sheikh Shakhbut bin Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of State, Saeed Mubarak Al Hajri, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Saif Saeed Ghobash, Secretary-General of the Executive Council of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Head of the Office of the Crown Prince in the Court of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi; And Maryam Eid Al Muhairi, Head of the Abu Dhabi Media Office, Strategic Relations Advisor at the Crown Prince’s Court.

It is worth noting that the UAE is participating in the G20 summit for the sixth time, as it previously participated in the summit in the Federal Republic of Brazil in 2024, the Republic of India in 2023, the Republic of Indonesia in 2022, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2020, and the French Republic in 2011.