Dubai and Africa unite to launch groundbreaking global AI trade hub

IN A BOLD move to connect emerging and established AI economies, the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), through its Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI), has joined hands with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) to establish a dedicated AI trade and investment hub. 

This has come as a much-needed lifeline to African-based companies that have set their sights on the international business landscape.     

DCAI, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and operated by the DFF, will act as the Middle East launch partner.

With Dubai's strategic global positioning and robust infrastructure, the city is set to become the central point for this ambitious cross-continental initiative.

Saeed Al Falasi, Director of the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence, said: “AI is redrawing the map of global opportunity, and cross-continental collaboration is key to navigating this new landscape.

"This partnership allows talent, capital, and ideas to move freely across borders, creating an inclusive and innovative future for AI.”

The aims of the initiative was to accelerate cross-border collaboration and unlock new opportunities for AI startups and investors from Africa, the Middle East, and Europe.

The hub will serve as the platform to overcome two major hurdles faced by early-stage tech ventures, market access and investment capital. It will enable startups to scale more effectively while connecting them with international networks and resources. Key stakeholders from across regions are also part of this effort, reinforcing the hub's mission to promote responsible and inclusive AI development.

Reacting to this, Dr. Nick Bradshaw, founder and chairman of South African African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) said:  “Although AI investment is expanding in Europe and the Middle East, Africa remains underserved despite having some of the most innovative and resilient startups. This partnership will help close that gap by giving African innovators access to critical capital and global markets.”

“This isn’t just a symbolic gesture—it’s a working pipeline for AI-focused trade and investment across continents,” Dr. Bradshaw said.

“Dubai’s involvement brings global visibility and momentum to this mission. We are entering a phase where coordinated action is crucial.”

In highlighting Africa’s potential, Dr. Bradshaw pointed to milestones like the $628 million acquisition of Tunisian AI company InstaDeep, as being indicative of the continent’s capacity to produce globally competitive ventures.

"The hub will offer a suite of services including matchmaking between startups and investors, business expansion programs, and opportunities for international knowledge exchange. 

"By linking the AI economies across Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, the initiative will promote sustainable and ethical development while amplifying voices from underrepresented regions.

"As artificial intelligence continues to reshape global economies, this new hub represents a significant step toward democratising technology, enabling global innovation, and ensuring emerging markets play a leading role in the future of AI," Dr Bradshaw said.

DAILY NEWS