The meeting. PHOTO; Courtesy
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, met with a high-level delegation of leading African business and philanthropic figures during their visit to the United Arab Emirates, signalling the UAE’s growing commitment to deeper, long-term partnerships across the African continent.
The meeting was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance.
A Diverse Delegation Representing Africa’s Economic Drivers
The delegation included influential leaders from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Egypt, Sudan, and Zimbabwe, representing major private-sector organizations and philanthropic institutions.
Their work spans critical sectors including energy, digital infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, and food systems, which significantly contribute to national GDP, employment creation, and community resilience across Africa.
By welcoming these leaders, the UAE reaffirmed its focus on strengthening partnerships with actors who play central roles in shaping Africa’s economic and social development.
Strengthening Relations Through Shared Vision
During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid underscored the UAE’s long-standing connection with Africa, stating that the relationship “is rooted in historical, human, and economic ties that continue to foster innovation, strengthen energy and food security, and build resilient and sustainable economies.”
He emphasised that the UAE sees Africa as a partner in driving mutually beneficial progress.
Discussions focused on expanding joint investments and cooperation in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, transport, agriculture, and food systems, alongside efforts to enhance philanthropic engagement and community-level impact.
Badr Jafar Highlights the Power of Cross-Sector Alignment
Badr Jafar, Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy, stressed the importance of coordinated efforts across different sectors, stating that aligning business, government, and philanthropy “strengthens resilience, expands opportunities, and promotes long-term prosperity across Africa.”
He noted that cross-sector collaboration is increasingly essential for addressing development challenges and unlocking new avenues for inclusive growth.
His comments reflect the UAE’s broader approach of integrating economic investment with social impact, creating partnerships that advance both development goals and shared prosperity.
UAE–Africa Investments Continue to Expand
The UAE’s economic engagement with Africa has accelerated in recent years.
Between 2019 and 2023, the UAE invested over US$110 billion across the continent, with US$70 billion directed toward renewable energy and green infrastructure.
The country has also launched the US$1 billion “AI for Development” initiative, which aims to scale artificial intelligence solutions in key sectors such as education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
These investments underscore the UAE’s position as one of Africa’s most committed global partners, with a clear focus on future-oriented, sustainable development.
A Visit Designed to Shape Future Collaboration
The African delegation’s programme in the UAE includes meetings with senior government officials, investment leaders, and philanthropic organisations.
The discussions aim to explore co-investment opportunities, review enabling regulatory frameworks, and strengthen public-private philanthropic partnerships.
The visit reflects the growing momentum in UAE–Africa relations built on shared priorities, aligned visions for sustainable development, and a commitment to deepening cooperation across economic, social, and technological spheres.
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