UAE-backed partnership targets foundational learning gaps in sub-Saharan Africa

ADQ and the Gates Foundation have announced a four-year partnership aimed at improving foundational learning outcomes for children across sub-Saharan Africa through the responsible use of artificial intelligence and education technology.

The partnership was announced in Abu Dhabi on the sidelines of Abu Dhabi Finance Week during a visit by Bill Gates, chair of the Gates Foundation. It brings together ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based sovereign investor, and the Gates Foundation to support the ethical, evidence-based adoption of AI and EdTech to strengthen early-grade literacy and numeracy.

Under the agreement, the partners will deploy a combined USD 40 million, with ADQ contributing up to USD 20 million.

ADQ and the Gates Foundation partnership

The funding will be directed towards two flagship initiatives. The first is AI-for-Education, a global programme launched in 2022 that develops practical AI-enabled learning models and provides guidance to governments in the Global South. The second is the EdTech and AI Fund, a new multi-investor vehicle set to launch next year, designed to scale proven EdTech and AI solutions across sub-Saharan Africa at national level.

The partnership is framed around the growing role of digital learning platforms, data technologies and AI-enabled tools as part of essential national infrastructure. The partners said these systems are increasingly critical to building human capital and long-term economic competitiveness, alongside traditional investments in physical infrastructure.

The initiative comes against a backdrop of significant demographic and education challenges. By 2050, Africa is expected to be home to one in every three young people globally. However, current data shows that nine in ten children in the region are unable to read or perform basic mathematics by the age of 10. The partners said addressing early learning gaps is essential to improving outcomes throughout a child’s education and supporting broader economic growth.

UAE education support

His Excellency 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 across global markets.” He added that systems supporting learning, data and intelligent technologies are becoming as important to national development as physical assets.

Bill Gates said: “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 partnership builds on the Gates Foundation’s expanded Global Education Programme and aligns with commitments made by African leaders to end learning poverty by 2035. ADQ and the Gates Foundation said the collaboration aims to accelerate education reform and contribute to more inclusive and sustainable development across the continent.