The United Arab Emirates has deepened its economic and strategic footprint across Africa, committing more than $110bn in investments and expanding renewable energy, trade and infrastructure partnerships, officials said at the 2026 summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa.
The UAE outlined its growing engagement in a statement on Sunday, as Minister of State Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan joined African leaders and global officials to discuss priorities including peace, economic integration and sustainable development.
“Our engagement with Africa is rooted in decades of trade, maritime links, and people-to-people connections across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean corridors,” he said.
“Today, that historic connectivity is reflected in a growing diplomatic footprint (19 embassies in Sub-Saharan Africa) with further expansion underway.
“At the same time, African diplomatic representation in the UAE continues to grow, reinforcing our country’s role as a hub for African trade, finance, and dialogue,” the minister added.
$110bn investment and clean energy expansion
Between 2019 and 2023, the UAE committed over $110bn across Africa, the highest level of investment by any single country during that period , with more than $70bn directed to energy, green and renewable sectors.
Under the Africa Green Investment Initiative, $4.5bn has already been mobilised to accelerate clean energy deployment, with over 60 projects planned across solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage and green hydrogen.
Abu Dhabi renewable energy firm Masdar is spearheading a $10bn programme on the continent, while the Etihad 7 initiative aims to expand electricity access to up to 100 million people by 2035.
Trade deals signed with Nigeria, others
The UAE also confirmed it has concluded nine Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with African countries, including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, Gabon, Angola, Kenya, Congo-Brazzaville, Mauritius and the Central African Republic.
Officials said the agreements cover tariffs, digital trade, services and investment protection, and are designed to complement the African Continental Free Trade Area by strengthening value chains and boosting cross-border competitiveness.
Major port and infrastructure projects underway
Infrastructure development remains central to UAE engagement, with DP World leading a $1bn upgrade of Tanzania’s Dar es Salaam Port, while AD Ports Group is constructing a new terminal in Luanda, Angola, to increase container capacity.
Humanitarian assistance is also a key pillar of cooperation, with nearly 40 per cent of UAE foreign aid — about $20.9bn over the past decade — directed to African countries.
UAE leaders reaffirm commitment
Sheikh Shakhbout also conveyed goodwill messages from UAE leaders, including President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and Vice President Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, expressing support for Africa’s continued development.
Looking ahead, water security and climate resilience are emerging priorities, with the UAE set to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference alongside Senegal — the first time two Global South nations will jointly lead the global event.
The UAE said its growing diplomatic, investment and development presence underscores its long-term commitment to strengthening partnerships and supporting sustainable growth across Africa.
About the Author
