The United Arab Emirates has identified renewable energy, infrastructure and digital innovation as key sectors for long-term investment in Africa, reaffirming its commitment to supporting sustainable development across the continent.
UAE Minister of State, Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, said the country’s engagement with Africa is focused on building strong and lasting partnerships that align with the continent’s development goals.
Speaking in a recent interview, Al Hajeri described Africa as a strategic partner in the UAE’s economic diversification agenda.
“The UAE believes in building resilient, strategic partnerships that are aligned with long-term national priorities. In this context, our engagement with Africa is more important than ever,” he said.
He revealed that the UAE invested about $71.32 billion in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2021 and 2025.
According to him, renewable energy, infrastructure and digital innovation offer some of the biggest opportunities for expanding cooperation between the UAE and African nations.
The minister said the UAE has committed more than $70 billion to renewable and green energy projects across Africa through initiatives such as Masdar’s $10 billion programme and the Etihad 7 platform.
He added that the country is also increasing investments in transport, ports and logistics through companies such as DP World and AD Ports Group, alongside financing from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
Al Hajeri said these investments are expected to improve transport systems, lower business costs, expand access to electricity, create jobs, and promote technology transfer and skills development across the continent.
“Our investments are not just figures on paper. They are creating infrastructure that reduces the cost of doing business, delivers clean energy to homes and businesses, creates employment, attracts investment into local industries, and supports technology and skills transfer for long-term growth,” he said.
He noted that the UAE would continue working with African governments and private sector partners to identify common priorities and implement projects that encourage sustainable economic growth.
Al Hajeri also described Africa as central to the UAE’s long-term economic strategy, noting that the country has signed nine Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with African nations as part of its goal of reaching AED4 trillion in foreign trade by 2031.
“Africa’s growing economies, driven by a youthful population, urbanisation and rising consumer demand, provide significant opportunities for long-term diversification and competitiveness,” he said.
The minister further disclosed that the UAE launched a $1 billion Artificial Intelligence Development in Africa initiative during the G20 Summit in South Africa to support AI projects aimed at strengthening digital ecosystems and promoting economic and social development across the continent.
