The UAE-backed partnership targets basic learning spaces in sub-Saharan Africa
ADQ and the Gates Foundation announced a four-year partnership aimed at improving basic learning outcomes for children across sub-Saharan Africa through the use of artificial intelligence and educational technology.
The partnership was announced in Abu Dhabi on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Financial Week during the visit of Bill Gates, chairman of the Gates Foundation. It brings together ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based private equity investor, and the Gates Foundation to support evidence-based adoption of AI and EdTech to strengthen first-grade literacy and numeracy.
Under the agreement, the partners will spend a combined USD 40 million, with ADQ contributing up to USD 20 million.
ADQ and the Gates Foundation are a partnership
Funding will be directed to two priority programs. The first is AI-for-Education, a global initiative launched in 2022 that develops effective learning models that use AI and provides guidance to governments in the Global South. The second is the EdTech and AI Fund, a new crowdfunding vehicle to be launched next year, designed to scale proven EdTech and AI solutions across sub-Saharan Africa at the national level.
The partnership is built around the growing role of digital learning platforms, data technologies and AI-enabled tools as part of critical national infrastructure. The partners said that these programs are very important for building human resources and long-term economic competitiveness, as well as general investment in physical infrastructure.
The move comes after major math and education challenges. By 2050, Africa is expected to be home to one in three people worldwide. However, current data shows that nine out of ten children in the region cannot read or do basic math by the age of 10. Our partners say that addressing early learning gaps is critical to improving outcomes for every child’s education and supporting broader economic growth.
UAE education support
Honorable Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ADQ, said: “As part of the UAE’s commitment to developing AI and technology-enabled solutions, this partnership underscores ADQ’s commitment to bringing meaningful impact to current and future generations in global markets.” He added that programs that support learning, data and smart technology are becoming important for the development of the country as tangible assets.
Bill Gates said: “AI has great potential to transform learning opportunities and expand opportunities. This partnership brings together the expertise needed to use these tools responsibly and measurement methods that are already showing results.”
The partnership builds on the Gates Foundation’s expanded Global Education Program and aligns with commitments made by African leaders to end learning poverty by 2035. ADQ and the Gates Foundation said the partnership aims to accelerate education reform and contribute to inclusive and sustainable development across the continent.
