The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening 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 disclosed this in a recent interview made available to our correspondent by his UAE team on Monday.
He said the UAE’s engagement with Africa is focused on building resilient partnerships that align with 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,” Al Hajeri said.
According to him, renewable energy, infrastructure and digital innovation present the greatest opportunities for expanding cooperation between the UAE and African countries.
He noted that the UAE invested $71.32 billion in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2021 and 2025.
Al Hajeri added that the country has committed more than $70 billion to renewable and green energy projects across Africa.
The investments include Masdar’s $10 billion programme and the Etihad 7 platform.
He also identified infrastructure and logistics as major investment priorities.
According to the minister, the UAE is supporting these sectors through DP World, AD Ports Group and financing provided by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.
The investments cover ports, transport corridors and power infrastructure across the continent.
Al Hajeri said the projects are delivering tangible economic benefits for African countries.
He explained that the investments are helping to reduce the cost of doing business, expand access to clean electricity, create jobs and attract additional investment into local industries.
He added that the projects are also supporting technology transfer and skills development needed for long-term economic growth.
The minister said the UAE continues to work closely with African governments and businesses to identify common priorities and implement practical development solutions.
According to him, the partnership is based on trust, cooperation and mutual benefit.
Speaking on Africa’s importance to the UAE’s long-term economic strategy, Al Hajeri described the continent as central to the country’s economic diversification agenda.
He said the UAE has signed nine Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with African countries as part of that strategy.
The minister stated that the UAE aims to double the value of its exports and increase foreign trade to AED4 trillion by 2031.
He noted that Africa’s growing economies, youthful population, rapid urbanisation and rising consumer demand make the continent an important partner for achieving those goals.
Al Hajeri also highlighted the UAE’s investment in emerging technologies across Africa.
He said the country launched a $1 billion “AI Development in Africa” initiative during the G20 Summit in South Africa.
According to him, the initiative will support artificial intelligence projects that promote economic and social development, strengthen digital ecosystems and create new opportunities 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.
He said the UAE remains committed to supporting sustainable growth, economic opportunity and stronger partnerships across Africa.
