The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding strategic partnerships across Africa, identifying renewable energy, infrastructure and digital innovation as key sectors for long-term collaboration and sustainable development.
UAE Minister of State Saeed Al Hajeri, who disclosed this, said the UAE’s approach to Africa is centred on building resilient partnerships that support the continent’s long-term development priorities.
“The UAE believes in the importance of building partnerships that are resilient, strategic, and aligned with long-term national priorities. In this context, the UAE sees its engagement and partnership across Africa as even more essential,” he stated.
Al Hajeri said renewable energy, infrastructure and digital innovation present the strongest opportunities for expanding cooperation between the UAE and African countries.
“The greatest opportunities for expanding partnerships with the UAE lie in sectors that combine economic growth with long-term resilience, particularly renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital innovation, with $71.32billion invested in sub-Saharan Africa between 2021 – 2025.”
He noted that the UAE has committed more than $70billion to renewable and green projects across the continent, including Masdar’s $10billion programme and the Etihad 7 platform, while infrastructure and logistics continue to be major areas of investment.
“We also see great potential in the infrastructure and logistics sectors. Through DP World, AD Ports Group, and financing from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the UAE is investing in ports, transport corridors, and power infrastructure.”
Al Hajeri said these investments are delivering tangible benefits for African economies and communities.
“Our investments are not just balance-sheet numbers. They mean infrastructure that lowers the cost of doing business, clean power reaching homes, schools and businesses, new jobs, investment flowing into local industries, and technology and skills being transferred to support long-term growth.”
He added that the UAE continues to work closely with African governments and businesses to identify common priorities and deliver practical development solutions.
“The UAE works with African governments and businesses to identify shared priorities and deliver practical solutions that support sustainable growth and prosperity for future generations. This is a partnership built on trust, cooperation, and mutual benefit to achieve the aspirations of our peoples.”
Speaking on Africa’s role in the UAE’s long-term economic strategy, Al Hajeri described the continent as central to the country’s economic diversification ambitions.
“Africa is central to the UAE’s own economic diversification journey, and our nine Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with African nations reflect that commitment.
The UAE aims to double the value of its exports and grow foreign trade to AED 4 trillion by 2031. Africa’s expanding economies powered by young populations, urbanisation and rising consumption provide scale and demand that support long-term diversification and competitiveness,” he stated.
He said the UAE is also investing in emerging technologies that will support Africa’s future economic growth.
“At the same time, through our $1bn ‘AI Development in Africa’ initiative, launched at the G20 Summit in South Africa, we are investing in the technologies that will shape tomorrow – supporting AI projects that boost economic and social development, strengthen digital ecosystems, and unlock new pathways for sustainable growth.”
Al Hajeri reaffirmed the UAE’s long-term commitment to Africa, describing the continent as a strategic partner in advancing shared prosperity. “The UAE remains firmly committed to Africa as a reliable, long-term partner focused on sustainable growth, economic opportunity, and shared prosperity,” he stated.