ADQ and the Gates Foundation unite to deploy AI-driven education solutions to strengthen literacy and numeracy across sub-Saharan Africa
In a landmark collaboration that underscores the growing role of technology-driven philanthropy, Abu Dhabi–based investment and holding company ADQ has announced a four-year partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to tackle foundational learning gaps across sub-Saharan Africa. The initiative aims to improve literacy and numeracy outcomes for millions of children through the responsible and scalable use of artificial intelligence and education technology.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to addressing one of the most urgent global challenges: ensuring that children acquire basic reading and math skills at an early age—skills that are essential for lifelong learning, economic participation, and social development. Despite increased school enrollment across the region, learning outcomes have lagged, leaving many students unable to read or perform basic arithmetic at grade level.
At the core of the initiative is the strategic deployment of AI-powered tools and digital education platforms designed to support teachers, personalize learning, and track progress more effectively. By leveraging data-driven insights, the program seeks to deliver targeted interventions at scale, while remaining sensitive to local contexts, languages, and education systems.
The announcement aligns with Bill Gates’ renewed commitment to global philanthropy. The Microsoft co-founder recently confirmed plans to give away “virtually all his wealth,” marking what many describe as the largest philanthropic commitment in modern history. Education—particularly foundational learning—has long been a cornerstone of the Gates Foundation’s mission, and this partnership reinforces its focus on equitable access to quality education.
For ADQ, the collaboration highlights the UAE’s expanding role in global development initiatives, particularly in Africa. By combining capital, innovation, and long-term strategic thinking, ADQ aims to support sustainable solutions that deliver measurable social impact beyond traditional aid models.
Together, ADQ and the Gates Foundation are positioning technology not as a replacement for teachers or schools, but as a powerful enabler—one that can help close learning gaps, empower educators, and unlock potential for an entire generation. As the partnership unfolds over the next four years, it represents a significant step toward reimagining how foundational education can be delivered at scale in the digital age.
