ADQ, Gates Foundation commit $40mn for AI education in sub-Saharan Africa

ADQ, the Abu Dhabi sovereign investor, and the Gates Foundation are partnering to accelerate high-impact adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and education technology (EdTech) to improve learning outcomes for children across sub-Saharan Africa.

ADQ believes that as education systems evolve, digital learning platforms, data technologies, and AI-enabled solutions are becoming an essential part of a nation’s vital infrastructure. Much like transport, energy, and logistics networks enable economic activity, these tools help build the human capital and technological readiness required for long-term competitiveness.

By supporting educational infrastructure, ADQ is complementing its investments in physical and digital assets with capabilities that will help shape and sustain future economies.

The announcement was made on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Finance Week, during a visit by Bill Gates, Chair of the Gates Foundation, to the UAE.

ADQ, Gates Foundation back AI education

The four-year partnership will deploy a combined US$40 million, with ADQ contributing up to US$20 million, to tackle persistent education challenges across Sub-Saharan Africa by expanding the ethical use of AI through two flagship programs. 

By 2050, Africa will be home to one in every three of the world’s young people. Yet today, nine in ten children in the region are unable to read or do basic math by age 10. This partnership will direct resources toward solutions that reflect local needs, empower teachers, and support students, helping education systems build the capacity required for sustained and scalable progress.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said: “As part of the UAE’s commitment to advancing AI and technology-enabled solutions, this partnership underscores ADQ’s dedication to delivering meaningful impact for current and future generations.

“As a responsible investor, we have focused on enabling the infrastructure that supports socio-economic development and creates pathways for inclusive growth. While that has traditionally meant physical assets, the systems that support learning, data, and intelligent technologies are becoming equally important to national development.

“By combining our investment capabilities with the expertise of leading institutions, we aim to strengthen education systems, widen access to opportunity, and equip millions of young people across the African continent with the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

Bill Gates added: “AI has enormous potential to transform learning and expand opportunity. This partnership brings together the expertise needed to apply these tools responsibly and scale approaches already showing results.

“The UAE has shown leadership in using innovation to expand opportunity, and together we’ll build on that momentum to help children develop the foundational skills that shape their futures.”

Advancing AI learning

AI-for-Education, a global initiative launched in 2022, develops practical models of AI-enabled learning and provides expert guidance to governments in the Global South.

The EdTech and AI Fund, a new multi-investor vehicle set to launch next year, will scale proven EdTech and AI solutions across sub-Saharan Africa. Jointly anchored by ADQ and the Gates Foundation, it will be the first fund dedicated to national-level expansion of interventions shown to improve foundational learning.

While more than 93 per cent of EdTech products in low and middle-income countries are not tested for proof-of-learning impact, only two per cent of global EdTech venture capital is attracted by sub-Saharan Africa, and just four per cent of children in the region consistently use EdTech.