In an exciting announcement that could significantly impact educational systems in sub-Saharan Africa, ADQ and the Gates Foundation have forged a groundbreaking partnership aimed at promoting the responsible and impactful use of artificial intelligence (AI) and educational technology (EdTech). This initiative is designed to enhance learning outcomes for children throughout the region. The partnership was unveiled during Abu Dhabi Finance Week, coinciding with Bill Gates' visit to the UAE as Chair of the Gates Foundation.
As educational landscapes continue to evolve, digital learning platforms, data analytics, and AI-driven solutions are becoming integral components of a nation’s foundational infrastructure. Just as transportation, energy, and logistics networks are vital for economic activities, these technological tools play a crucial role in nurturing human capital and fostering the technological readiness essential for long-term competitiveness. By investing in this critical aspect of educational infrastructure, ADQ is augmenting its portfolio of physical and digital assets with initiatives that are poised to shape and sustain future economic growth.
The urgency of this partnership is underscored by the alarming statistic that by 2050, Africa will be home to one in three of the world’s youth, yet currently, a staggering nine out of ten children in the region cannot read or perform basic arithmetic by the age of ten. This collaboration aims to channel resources into solutions tailored to local contexts, empowering teachers, and supporting students. This effort is vital for building the capacity needed for sustainable and scalable improvements in education systems. Strengthening literacy and numeracy skills in early grades is crucial for enhancing overall learning outcomes throughout a child's educational journey and for stimulating broader economic progress across the continent.
Over the next four years, this partnership will mobilize a total of $40 million, with ADQ committing up to $20 million to address ongoing educational challenges in sub-Saharan Africa through the expanded ethical use of AI across two flagship initiatives.
The first initiative, called AI-for-Education, launched globally in 2022, focuses on developing practical models for AI-enabled learning and providing expert support to governments in the Global South. The second initiative, the EdTech and AI Fund, is a new multi-investor vehicle set to debut next year, which will scale successful EdTech and AI solutions throughout sub-Saharan Africa. Co-founded by ADQ and the Gates Foundation, this fund will be the first of its kind dedicated to expanding interventions that have proven effective in enhancing foundational learning at the national level. Despite the promising potential of generative AI to improve established pedagogical methods, there is still a lack of evidence on what truly works. Additionally, the EdTech sector faces significant challenges such as underfunding and limited reach; over 93% of EdTech products in low- and middle-income countries have not been validated for their impact on learning, only 2% of global EdTech venture capital is directed toward sub-Saharan Africa, and merely 4% of children in the region consistently engage with EdTech solutions.
Earlier this year, the Gates Foundation revealed a substantial expansion of its Global Education Program valued at $240 million. This four-year initiative aims to assist 15 million children in sub-Saharan Africa and India by delivering affordable and evidence-based learning solutions in cooperation with governments. Building on this momentum, the UAE is leveraging its expertise in innovation and technology implementation to hasten the integration and scaling of AI in education, thereby contributing to a collective global effort.
His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Managing Director and Group CEO of ADQ, remarked, "This partnership exemplifies ADQ's commitment to making a meaningful difference for both current and future generations in global markets, in alignment with the UAE’s dedication to advancing AI and technology-driven solutions. As a responsible investor, our focus has been on building infrastructure that fosters socio-economic development and promotes inclusive growth. While physical assets have traditionally been the primary focus, the systems that underpin learning, data, and intelligent technologies are increasingly essential for national development. By merging our investment capabilities with the expertise of leading organizations, we aspire to strengthen education systems, broaden access to opportunities, and equip millions of young individuals across Africa with the necessary skills to excel in an ever-evolving digital landscape."
Bill Gates added, "AI holds tremendous promise for transforming education and broadening opportunities. This collaboration unites the expertise needed to responsibly implement these tools and to scale strategies that are already yielding positive results. The UAE has demonstrated leadership in harnessing innovation to expand opportunities, and together we aim to build on this momentum to help children cultivate the foundational skills that will shape their futures."
With a growing momentum for educational reform across Africa, highlighted by commitments made during the 2025 African Union Summit to eradicate learning poverty by 2035, the chance for significant advancements has never been more pronounced. Technological innovations, the rise of local expertise, and enhanced collaborations are establishing a stronger foundation for transformative change. By supporting efforts that apply AI and EdTech in ways that are responsive to the needs of educators and learners, this partnership seeks to catalyze learning improvements and foster a more prosperous and inclusive future for the youth of the continent.
