- UAE will expand long-term partnerships with Africa through investments in renewable energy, infrastructure and digital innovation.
- The UAE has invested more than $71 billion in Sub-Saharan Africa since 2021 and plans to deepen cooperation through energy, trade and technology initiatives.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening strategic partnerships across Africa, with renewable energy, infrastructure and digital innovation at the centre of its long-term investment strategy. UAE Minister of State Saeed Al Hajeri disclosed this in an interview released on Monday, August 3rd, 2026.
He said the UAE is building resilient partnerships that align with Africa’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,” Al Hajeri said.
He identified renewable energy, infrastructure and digital innovation as the sectors offering the greatest opportunities for expanding cooperation.
According to him, the UAE invested $71.32 billion in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2021 and 2025. Al Hajeri said the UAE has also committed more than $70 billion to renewable energy and green projects across the continent. He noted that the investments include Masdar’s $10 billion clean energy programme and the Etihad 7 initiative.
In addition, the UAE continues to invest heavily in infrastructure and logistics. Al Hajeri said DP World, AD Ports Group and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development are financing ports, transport corridors and power infrastructure across Africa.
He explained that these investments are improving economic activity and creating opportunities for African 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 said.
He added that the UAE works closely with African governments and businesses to identify shared priorities and implement 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,” he said.
Al Hajeri also described Africa as central to the UAE’s long-term economic diversification strategy. He said the UAE has signed nine Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with African countries to strengthen trade and investment.
According to him, the UAE aims to increase foreign trade to AED 4 trillion by 2031 while doubling the value of its exports. He said Africa’s young population, rapid urbanisation and expanding consumer markets make the continent an important partner in achieving those objectives.
Furthermore, the minister highlighted the UAE’s growing investment in emerging technologies. He said the country launched a $1 billion Artificial Intelligence Development in Africa initiative during the G20 Summit in South Africa.
The initiative will support artificial intelligence projects that strengthen digital ecosystems, promote economic growth and create new opportunities for sustainable development across the continent.
Al Hajeri reaffirmed the UAE’s long-term commitment to Africa and described the continent as a strategic partner in advancing sustainable growth, economic opportunity and shared prosperity.