Microsoft's AI Maps to Transform Africa’s Digital Landscape

With Space42 and Esri, Microsoft has taken a decisive step toward reshaping Africa’s digital infrastructure with the launch of the Map Africa Initiative.

A five-year endeavor, the project aims to produce the most comprehensive digital base map of all 54 African countries.

The collaboration promises to be a catalyst for economic growth, smarter infrastructure and a new generation of AI-powered public services for more than 1.4 billion people.

About Space42

Space42 is a UAE-based, AI-powered SpaceTech company formed in 2024 through the merger of Bayanat and Yahsat. 

It seamlessly integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics and AI to deliver innovative space solutions worldwide. 

It operates across more than 150 countries, reaching more than 80% of the global population. This breadth allows Space42 to offer services in satellite operations, geospatial data acquisition and AI-driven analytics to enhance decision-making, situational awareness and operational efficiency. 

Backed by major shareholders including G42, Mubadala and IHC, Space42 is a leading player in advancing space technology and AI for governments, enterprises and communities.

What is Esri?

Also known as the Environmental Systems Research Institute, Esri is a global leader in geographic information system (GIS) software, location intelligence and spatial analytics.

Founded in 1969, Esri pioneered GIS technology, developing the industry-leading ArcGIS platform that integrates data through geographic context. 

Esri’s software enables organisations worldwide — across governments, businesses and non-profits — to create, manage, analyse and visualise spatial data to support decision making, urban planning, environmental management.

Its technology underpins innovations in mapping, smart cities and geographic analysis.

Tackling outdated maps with AI and cloud infrastructure

Africa’s geospatial data landscape is currently battling against fragmented, outdated and inaccessible maps, creating bottlenecks for investment, infrastructure planning and institutional efficiency.

As a result, governments and businesses are frequently forced to make consequential decisions with incomplete data, impeding progress in critical sectors.

The Map Africa Initiative seeks to fundamentally change this reality by creating accurate, high-resolution and scalable base maps, making a transformative investment in Africa’s digital future that will unleash the continent’s economic and technological potential.

Jack Dangermond, President of Esri, says: “We are proud to support the Map Africa Initiative.

“Transforming satellite imagery into detailed, accurate base maps at continental scale requires advanced geospatial technology and professional production workflows. 

“These same capabilities have supported similar national and regional mapping efforts around the world. 

“With Map Africa, we are helping to establish a foundational resource that will drive infrastructure planning, economic growth, and sustainable development across the continent.”

Leveraging the strengths of Map Africa’s partners

The project is a testament to strategic collaboration, with each partner bringing specific strengths.

• Space42 will lead fundraising, project management and provide satellite data — leveraging sovereign and commercial resources.
  Using AI-powered Digital Twin models, Space42 will deliver dynamic, purpose-built outputs and spearhead R&D for new AI and automated map production workflows.
• Esri is responsible for orchestrating base map production workflows using its GeoAI algorithms and remote sensing expertise
  Esri will also establish regional hubs to train local talent and develop sustainable geospatial capacity within Africa.
• Microsoft brings secure, scalable cloud infrastructure and AI frameworks via Azure, ensuring seamless large-scale data processing, sharing and integration.
  The result is a digital mapping system that is resilient, future-proof and open to continual innovation.

Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42, says: “Partnership is core to the UAE’ DNA and is central to how Space42 operates. 

“This collaboration with Microsoft and Esri is more than technical — it’s strategic. It advances Space42’s business priorities, strengthens our role as a trusted partner to governments and delivers meaningful benefits to communities across Africa. 

“Accurate, high-quality mapping and the intelligence solutions built on it are essential for growth, resilience and inclusive innovation. 

“With reliable data, communities and economies prosper.”

How technology unlocks multi-industry value

The Map Africa Initiative further solidifies the UAE’s role as Africa’s largest foreign investor.

By exporting AI-driven and space-enabled geospatial solutions, it promotes data-driven development across the continent while strengthening commercial, diplomatic and technological relations between the UAE and Africa. 

The new digital maps will be licensed to national governments and managed on local data centres operated by G42 and Microsoft, enabling sovereign ownership and long-term sustainability. 

For example, ports and logistics will benefit from detailed mapping, as it will enable optimised route planning, reduce inefficiencies and help Africa emerge as a global logistics hub.

The renewable energy sector is also set to benefit, with site selection models for solar and wind projects driving efficient, sustainable energy deployment.

As well as this, governments will gain new tools to monitor borders, manage natural resources and coordinate effective emergency responses, bolstering security and disaster response.

Smart cities and digital economies will also merge as a result of this digital mapping, with accurate maps providing the backbone for urban planning, public service delivery and deployment of new digital technologies.

The initiative also lays a foundation for a new commercial ecosystem, empowering African start-ups to innovate in geospatial analytics, logistics, agritech, and beyond.

Peng Xiao, Group CEO at G42, says: “We believe intelligence is the foundation for societal progress, yet it remains out of reach for millions across the Global South. This partnership is a decisive step toward closing that gap. 

“Together with our partners, we will deliver AI-powered insights that enable African nations to plan smarter, build better and grow more sustainably and responsibly. 

“From agricultural optimisation and natural resource management to strengthening public services infrastructure and economic empowerment, this partnership will help turn data into development and intelligence into impact.”