The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence is driving up demand for electricity and digital infrastructure in Africa and the Middle East. Industry stakeholders gathered at the Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa in Abu Dhabi to discuss the trend. They noted that governments and businesses face increasing pressure to expand energy capacity and upgrade digital infrastructure. This comes as AI becomes more integrated into industrial and economic activities.
Schneider Electric CEO Olivier Blum said AI's growing use creates demand for physical infrastructure to operate AI-enabled systems. He noted that AI is moving beyond the digital environment and integrating into the physical economy. Reliable electricity and supporting infrastructure are critical to its deployment, Blum said. The development is particularly relevant to the Middle East and Africa, where investment in energy and digital infrastructure is increasing.
Blum emphasized that the world is entering an era of intelligence where AI is embedded in the physical economy. AI may be digital, but it runs on electricity and depends on physical systems. The trend is significant for Africa and the Middle East, where efforts to expand industrial capacity and support economic growth are underway. Investment in energy and digital infrastructure is rising in these regions.
AI adoption expert Kirk Jackson also spoke at the summit, which had over 2,500 participants. He noted that AI deployment is increasing alongside investment in data centres, manufacturing, and energy infrastructure. Discussions at the summit focused on the links between energy systems, AI, automation, and industrial software. Participants examined the infrastructure requirements arising from increasing digitalisation and electrification.
The two-day summit, themed "Advancing Energy Tech to Power Intelligence and Resilience," brought together government officials, industry analysts, businesses, partners, students, and media representatives. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the impact of AI on energy and digital infrastructure. Key issues discussed included the need for reliable electricity and supporting infrastructure.
Industry stakeholders recognize the need for upgraded digital infrastructure to support AI adoption. The growing use of AI requires significant investment in energy and digital infrastructure. This investment is critical to support economic growth and industrial expansion in Africa and the Middle East. Governments and businesses must work together to address the infrastructure requirements arising from AI adoption.
The summit highlighted the importance of collaboration between governments, businesses, and industry stakeholders to address the infrastructure needs driven by AI adoption. With over 2,500 participants, the event provided a platform for knowledge sharing and discussion on the trends shaping the future of energy and digital infrastructure in Africa and the Middle East. The outcome of the summit is expected to inform investment and policy decisions in the region.
Key points
- AI adoption drives demand for electricity and digital infrastructure in Africa and the Middle East.
- Industry stakeholders emphasize the need for reliable electricity and supporting infrastructure to support AI deployment.
- The trend is driving increased investment in energy and digital infrastructure in Africa and the Middle East.
