Dubai and South Africa Launch AI Trade Hub
In a bold step to connect developing and developed artificial intelligence (AI) hubs, the Dubai Centre for Artificial Intelligence (DCAI) under the umbrella of the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has collaborated with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association (SAAIA) in establishing a standalone AI trade and investment platform.
The project, spearheaded under His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has vision is to establish a successful pipeline for AI-enabled cooperation between Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Being centrally located and having a robust infrastructure, Dubai will be the launch site and operational hub for this new platform.
Connecting Capital, Talent, and Global Markets
The partnership is well placed to tackle two of the main challenges that tend to hamper early-stage AI businesses: access to markets and access to funding. AI startups from underrepresented regions, especially Africa, will be exposed to global investors, mentorship, and cross-continental networking opportunities with this hub.
According to Saeed Al Falasi, Director of DCAI, the global AI landscape is rapidly evolving, and collaboration across regions is essential for inclusive growth. He said the partnership is designed to remove barriers and ensure the free movement of talent, ideas, and capital across borders.
Dr. Nick Bradshaw, Founder and Chair of SAAIA, remarked that Africa’s AI sector, while rich in innovation, remains underfunded compared to its European and Middle Eastern counterparts. He believes this hub could serve as a practical solution to bridge the investment and visibility gap faced by many African startups.
A New Phase for Global AI Inclusion
The hub will offer an integrated suite of services: from startup-investor matchmaking and international expansion programs to knowledge-sharing initiatives. These efforts will be tailored to promote ethical and sustainable AI development, ensuring that diverse voices and regions are represented in the global conversation around technology.
Dr. Bradshaw referenced the $628 million acquisition of Tunisian AI firm InstaDeep as a clear sign that African ventures have the potential to compete globally. He added that coordinated action is now more critical than ever to scale this momentum.
With Dubai’s involvement, the hub is set to bring both visibility and resources to high-potential tech ecosystems that are often overlooked. Leaders involved in the project emphasized that this is more than a symbolic collaboration—it is a tangible infrastructure for cross-border trade, investment, and innovation in artificial intelligence.
