Africa–Middle East : the strategic axis redrawing the geopolitics of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is no longer merely a technological challenge; it has become the backbone of a new global economic order. In this evolving landscape, one axis is gaining momentum—often overlooked but highly consequential: the partnership between Africa and the Middle East. The organization of the “AI Everything MEA” forum in 2026, led by GITEX Global and supported by Egyptian authorities, symbolizes this strategic convergence. Yet, the stakes go far beyond a single event; it signals the emergence of an interlinked economic space where investments, expertise, and infrastructure are being structured around AI.

Over the past decade, Gulf powers have been massively accelerating their bets on AI

Over the past decade, Gulf powers have been rapidly ramping up their AI investments. The United Arab Emirates was the first to implement a national AI strategy, followed by Saudi Arabia under its Vision 2030 plan, then Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. The sums mobilized are enormous, supported by sovereign wealth funds, hyperscale data centers, and a determined push to become leaders in generative AI, supercomputing, and industrial automation. In these countries, cloud adoption rates, the establishment of dedicated research institutes, and the presence of global tech giants—American, Asian, and European—have reached levels unparalleled outside of Asia.

A Window of Opportunity for Africa

This rise presents a significant opportunity for Africa, where demand for smart technologies is surging: digital financial services, precision agriculture, connected healthcare, cybersecurity, and data governance. The continent benefits from one of the fastest-growing populations in the world, a highly educated and digitally connected generation. Yet, it faces infrastructure gaps and limited access to technology financing. Hence the growing interest in Middle East–Africa partnerships, combining capital, expertise, and genuine innovation needs.

AI Everything MEA will be the force multiplier for the AI mission

The “AI Everything MEA” forum positions itself as a hub where investors, states, and private digital players intersect. Over 200 venture capital funds, representing nearly €1 trillion in assets under management, are expected to assess opportunities offered by African and regional startups. Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of the Dubai World Trade Centre, organizer of GITEX, stated: “AI Everything MEA will be the force multiplier for the AI mission,” a lever that, in her words, will “regenerate the social fabric and economic landscape, redefining the global stature of the region.”

This vision illustrates the logic at work: building a shared value chain between two complementary geographic spaces. The Middle East brings capital, infrastructure, and strong political will. Africa contributes human potential, a hunger for innovation, and rapidly growing markets. Together, they can position themselves as an alternative to already established tech blocs.

Middle Eastern companies and institutions are now investing in African digital hubs, from Cairo to Nairobi, from Kigali to Lagos

The summit will highlight a clear trend: Middle Eastern companies and institutions are now investing in African digital hubs, from Cairo to Nairobi, Kigali to Lagos. These partnerships take the form of joint AI labs, startup funding, training programs, and industrial installations in data and cloud technologies. The growth of African fintech platforms, smart city projects, and the increasing adoption of digital government services reflect this momentum.

Launching a Regional Technology Academy for Graduates

The planned creation of a regional technology academy for young graduates, announced alongside the forum, aligns with the same strategy. With a pool of over 750,000 graduates annually across multiple African countries, the demand for specialized training is skyrocketing. The Middle East, with cutting-edge technology universities and innovation centers funded by sovereign wealth funds, is already seeking to host or support this talent. This cross-regional flow of skills could become a key lever of African competitiveness.

From a geopolitical perspective, the Africa–Middle East axis also responds to the increasing fragmentation of global technology value chains. As major powers compete over semiconductors, AI models, and digital sovereignty, emerging countries seek to strengthen their autonomy. Joint initiatives around sovereign cloud infrastructures, AI ethics standards, and cybersecurity underscore the desire to create a more balanced innovation ecosystem.

The Africa–Middle East Digital Corridor: A New 21st-Century Tech Power Center?

With the holding of “AI Everything MEA”, this cooperation reaches a new milestone: structuring a true Africa–Middle East digital corridor, capable of influencing international debates on AI, its applications, and regulatory frameworks. In a world where artificial intelligence is reshaping economies, governments, and international relations, this axis could emerge as one of the new technological power centers of the 21st century.