Why Africa Is Now Central to the UAE’s Global Growth Strategy
Africa has become one of the most important growth markets for the UAE. In recent years, the UAE has moved from being only a trading partner to becoming one of Africa’s biggest foreign investors. It is investing heavily in infrastructure, clean energy, technology, mining, and food security across the continent.
The UAE’s Big Bet on Africa
Africa is no longer just a small part of the UAE’s global plans. It has now become a key pillar of the country’s long-term economic strategy.
Between 2019 and 2023, the UAE invested more than $110 billion in African countries. Trade between the UAE and Africa reached about $107 billion in 2024. This was a 28% increase compared to the previous year. The UAE has also signed 35 Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) worldwide, and 10 of them are with African nations. This shows how serious the UAE is about growing its ties with Africa.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan recently said that these partnerships are not just about individual business deals. They focus on infrastructure, energy, innovation, and long-term investment. The aim is to build strong and lasting economic relationships.
The impact can already be seen in several African countries.
The UAE is now Uganda’s largest export market. Trade between the two countries reached $2.85 billion by September 2025. Total UAE investment in Uganda is estimated at $3.5 billion, covering energy, agriculture, infrastructure, and tourism.
In South Africa, non-oil trade reached $3.93 billion in the first half of 2025. This makes South Africa the UAE’s second-largest trading partner in Africa.
Other countries such as Kenya and Sierra Leone have also seen faster trade growth after signing new agreements with the UAE. Negotiations are also ongoing with Chad, focusing on mining, agriculture, and financial services.
Where the Money Is Being Invested
The UAE is investing in key sectors that are important for long-term economic influence. These include logistics, energy, ports, and major infrastructure.
Ports and transportation are a major focus. DP World is investing $1.2 billion to develop the Ndayane Port in Senegal. This is the largest private investment in Senegal’s history. Another company, AD Ports Group, is investing $380 million to expand the Luanda port terminal in Angola.
The UAE is also supporting road and irrigation projects in countries like Kenya and Mali. These projects help improve trade routes and strengthen supply chains across the continent.
Energy is another key area. Masdar has promised to invest $10 billion to produce 10 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy in Africa by 2030. The Etihad 7 initiative aims to provide clean electricity to 100 million people in Africa by 2035.
The UAE has also launched the $4.5 billion Africa Green Investment Initiative. This program plans to support more than 50 clean energy projects across the continent.
In Togo, AMEA Power built the Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Solar Complex. It now provides electricity to more than 220,000 homes. In Ethiopia, a 300-megawatt wind power project signed in 2024 is expected to supply energy to around four million households.
Expanding Into Future Industries
The UAE is not only investing in traditional industries. It is also focusing on Africa’s future growth sectors.
At the 2025 G20 Summit, a UAE-led $1 billion initiative was announced to expand artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure across Africa. The project will support healthcare, education, and climate research through advanced technology.
Mining has also become important. International Resources Holdings invested $1.1 billion to buy a 51% stake in Zambia’s Mopani Copper Mines. This shows that the UAE is working to secure access to key natural resources.
By investing in digital technology, renewable energy, and mining, the UAE is positioning itself at the center of Africa’s future economic growth.
Why Africa Is Important for the UAE
Africa offers the UAE several major advantages.
First, it helps control supply chains. By investing in ports, logistics hubs, and transport systems, the UAE connects African trade routes with Gulf-based businesses. This strengthens its global trading position.
Second, Africa supports the UAE’s food security. Agricultural partnerships help the UAE secure stable food supplies for its own population.
Third, Africa provides geopolitical strength. Strong economic partnerships allow the UAE to increase its global influence and build alliances in international markets.
Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan has said that the UAE sees Africa as a strategic partner in building a more balanced global system. The two regions share challenges such as food security and climate change. By working together, they aim to find long-term solutions.
A Long-Term Strategy
What makes the UAE’s approach different is not just the size of its investments, but how carefully they are planned. The investments are connected to each other. Ports link to logistics hubs. Energy projects support industries. Mining connects to manufacturing and global supply chains.
Instead of making isolated deals, Emirati companies are building strong positions in logistics, power generation, technology, and natural resources. These sectors are essential for how economies grow and function.
From major ports to renewable energy plants, the UAE is not simply investing money. It is building long-term economic partnerships. Step by step, it is becoming deeply connected to Africa’s economic future.
Africa is no longer just an emerging market for the UAE. It has become central to the country’s global growth strategy, and this relationship is expected to grow even stronger in the years ahead.
Published: 17th February 2026
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