Kenya’s National AI Strategy to Benefit from UAE’s Sh128.99 billion AI Fund

The recently announced UAE’s $1 billion (Sh128.99 billion) AI for Development initiative presents an opportunity for Kenya to move from policy ambition to practical implementation, particularly in digital public infrastructure, agriculture and health.

The announcement was made during the speech delivered by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at the G20 summit, where he reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to driving sustainable growth through broader international partnerships and innovative financing solutions that support development in emerging economies.

The launch couldn’t have come at a better time. Kenya’s National AI Strategy 2025-2030 recognises that partnerships—not isolation—will determine Africa’s AI winners.

The strategy prioritises digital public infrastructure, AI in agriculture, health, climate resilience, education, public–private partnerships, talent development and ethical AI governance.

It also envisions the country as Africa’s leading AI hub for model innovation, driving sustainable development, economic growth, and social inclusion while positioning itself as an AI research and application leader on the continent.

The government requires at least Ksh 152 billion (About USD 1.19 billion) for the implementation of the Strategy.

At the launch of the National AI Strategy 2025-2030 held in March, the Cabinet Secretary for Information, Communications and the Digital Economy, William Kabogo, emphasized that the strategy’s success depends on strong funding and regulatory frameworks.

The UAE AI Fund aims to bolster economic and social development across the continent by developing digital infrastructure, enhancing government services and improving productivity.

The initiative will be implemented by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), part of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, in cooperation with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency

Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Chairman of the Exports Executive Committee of ADEX, said:“ADEX’s leadership of the AI for Development initiative reflects the UAE’s belief that artificial intelligence is a real force for advancing equitable growth and sustainable development. By combining technology, financing and partnerships, we aim to support developing countries in overcoming developmental challenges and building long-term economic resilience.”

He added: “Integrating AI technologies into the education, agriculture and infrastructure sectors opens new horizons for inclusive development. Through this initiative, we aim to empower UAE enterprises to implement pioneering, high-impact development projects that strengthen economic and technological cooperation between the UAE and African countries, while supporting the achievement of global sustainable development goals.”

Al Suwaidi highlighted that the initiative builds on the humanitarian and developmental legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and reflects the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the commitment of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, and H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to supporting communities and improving lives through landmark development projects and initiatives launched from the UAE to the world.

Dr Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Foreign Aid Agency, reaffirmed the UAE’s leading humanitarian and developmental role in supporting communities, enhancing capacities and meeting needs in line with the legacy of the late founding father Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

He highlighted that the UAE continues to implement high-impact initiatives worldwide, including leveraging AI tools and solutions to drive development in African nations.

Al Ameri explained that the AI for Development initiative reflects the UAE’s enduring commitment to strengthening global solidarity and advancing cooperative development to build a better future for all and improve living standards for communities worldwide, particularly those facing significant developmental challenges across key sectors.

Al Ameri also stressed that many African countries require such transformative initiatives to meet diverse needs in education, healthcare and infrastructure, at a time when the UAE is solidifying its position as a global centre for artificial intelligence, topping numerous international indicators that reflect its technological and digital advancement across vital sectors.

The AI for Development initiative is dedicated to African countries and forms part of the UAE’s broader foreign assistance to the continent.

Since 1971, the UAE has provided more than AED152 billion in aid to African nations, and through this new initiative, continues its global leadership role by strengthening the contribution of UAE donor entities, through the UAE Foreign Aid Agency and in cooperation with ADEX, to implement AI-driven development projects across Africa.

This landmark initiative underscores the UAE’s global standing as a leading hub for cutting-edge technologies and smart systems, helping advance innovation, development and modernisation at regional and international levels while providing creative solutions to drive inclusive and sustainable growth.