The United Arab Emirates is expanding its economic engagement with Africa through investment in renewable energy, transport infrastructure, logistics and digital technology. UAE Minister of State Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri said the country invested $71.32 billion in sub-Saharan Africa between 2021 and 2025, making the continent an important part of the Emirates’ long-term diversification strategy.
The investment drive combines government-backed development finance with projects led by companies including Masdar, DP World and AD Ports Group. It is also supported by trade agreements and a $1 billion initiative intended to expand artificial-intelligence infrastructure and services across Africa.
Key Overview
- UAE officials report $71.32 billion of investment in sub-Saharan Africa between 2021 and 2025.
- Renewable energy, infrastructure and digital innovation are the main priority sectors.
- More than $70 billion has reportedly been directed toward energy and green projects across Africa.
- Masdar aims to mobilise $10 billion and develop 10 gigawatts of African clean-energy capacity by 2030.
- The Etihad 7 programme targets renewable electricity access for 100 million people by 2035.
- The UAE has concluded nine economic partnership agreements with African countries.
- A separate $1 billion programme will finance AI infrastructure and services across the continent.
Africa Becomes Central to the UAE’s Growth Strategy
Al Hajeri said the UAE views Africa as a strategic partner rather than a short-term investment destination. In a recent interview on the investment strategy, he identified renewable energy, infrastructure and digital innovation as sectors capable of supporting growth while strengthening long-term resilience.
The reported $71.32 billion represents cumulative activity across several countries, companies and sectors. It should not be interpreted as a single new funding package, while some wider figures cited by UAE officials include commitments or capital intended to be mobilised over several years.
Africa offers the UAE expanding consumer markets, growing cities and access to strategic trade corridors. For African governments, the relationship provides another source of long-term capital for energy, transport and technology projects.
Renewable Energy Leads the Investment Programme
Energy is the largest pillar of the strategy. UAE officials have said more than $70 billion has been directed toward energy, green and renewable projects, reflecting the importance of electricity access to industrialisation and digital development.
Masdar has committed to mobilising $10 billion in clean-energy finance and developing 10 gigawatts of renewable capacity in Africa by 2030. The plan includes $2 billion of Masdar equity and another $8 billion expected from project finance.
The Etihad 7 programme separately aims to supply renewable electricity to 100 million people by 2035. UAE officials have also highlighted a $4.5 billion Africa Green Investment Initiative supporting more than 50 clean-energy projects.
These figures should not automatically be added together because some programmes may overlap. Collectively, however, they show that renewable energy is being used to build long-term commercial and diplomatic relationships.
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Ports and Logistics Strengthen African Trade Corridors
The UAE’s investment strategy also covers ports, roads and freight networks. DP World has invested close to $3 billion in African infrastructure and committed another $3 billion for ports and logistics over the next three to five years, according to an update on its African network.
AD Ports Group is investing around $250 million through 2026 to modernise the Luanda terminal and develop associated logistics services. The project is expected to increase annual container capacity from about 25,000 twenty-foot equivalent units to 350,000.
The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development is also financing transport projects in Togo, Madagascar and Nigeria, with recent implementation updates showing progress on major road corridors.
Better infrastructure can reduce transport delays and business costs, but the eventual gains will depend on efficient customs systems, transparent concessions and reliable connections between ports and inland markets.
Trade Agreements and AI Broaden the Partnership
The UAE says it has concluded nine Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, Angola, Mauritius and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The agreements cover areas such as tariffs, services, digital trade and investment protection, although not every concluded agreement is necessarily already in force.
The programme supports the UAE’s target of increasing foreign trade to AED4 trillion by 2031 under its national economic strategy.
Digital investment is becoming another major component. The UAE launched a $1 billion AI for Development initiative at the G20 leaders’ summit in Johannesburg in November 2025. It is intended to finance AI infrastructure and services that improve government systems, productivity and access to technology.
The scale of the announced investment confirms Africa’s importance to the UAE’s post-oil growth strategy. However, announced commitments, mobilised finance and completed investment are different measures. Long-term impact will depend on projects reaching financial close, being delivered on schedule and creating affordable services, local employment, skills transfer and sustainable public value.
Sources: PUNCH / Emirates News Agency / Masdar / UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs / UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism / Abu Dhabi Fund for Development / DP World / AD Ports Group
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