Johannesburg: The United Arab Emirates has announced a major push to strengthen digital progress across Africa, committing $1 billion to expand advanced infrastructure and technology-driven services in key sectors.
The investment, unveiled by UAE Minister of State Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, is designed to support national development goals across the continent. The initiative will channel new technology into education, healthcare, climate resilience, and other public services that require modernization and scaling.
Al Hajeri said the UAE views technological innovation as a central pillar of future growth and is working to accelerate productivity and economic advancement in ways that include all communities. He added that the country remains committed to solutions that can improve daily life and strengthen long-term development.
سعدتُ بالمشاركة في قمة مجموعة العشرين في جوهانسبرغ ضمن وفد دولة الإمارات الذي ترأسه سمو الشيخ خالد بن محمد بن زايد آل نهيان، ولي عهد أبوظبي.
وتعكس هذه المشاركة- السادسة في تاريخ دولتنا والرابعة على التوالي- الدور الاقتصادي المتنامي لدولة الإمارات ومساهمتها الفاعلة في دعم النمو… pic.twitter.com/vYcFJDesDc— Saeed Al Hajeri سعيد الهاجري (@Saeed_Hajeri) November 23, 2025
The UAE has become one of Africa’s largest economic partners. Bilateral trade reached around $107 billion in 2024, rising 28 percent from the previous year. Between 2020 and 2024, UAE investments in African markets exceeded $118 billion, reflecting growing interest from Abu Dhabi in the continent’s fast-changing economies.
The Gulf nation is also ramping up large-scale tech infrastructure at home, including plans to build one of the world’s biggest data-centre hubs in partnership with US companies.
Although the UAE is not a member of the Group of 20, it was invited to attend this year’s summit by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is hosting the gathering in Africa for the first time.
