African Union Commission and UAE Talks Highlight Peace, Technology And Water As Pillars for Africa's Future

JOHANNESBURG, January 2026 -- A high-level meeting has been held in Addis Ababa between Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), and Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of State. 

The meeting built upon the first round of political consultations that took place in Abu Dhabi on September 13, 2025, under the framework of the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding. Both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to enhancing the partnership between the UAE and the African Union. 

During the meeting, they reviewed the progress made since the inaugural consultations, exchanged views on priority areas for cooperation, and reiterated their dedication to maintaining ongoing political dialogue.

They focused on the importance of Agenda 2063, particularly the flagship initiative “Silencing the Guns by 2030,” along with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). They emphasised the interconnectedness of peace, security, trade, and development. 

Given the context, they agreed to enhance cooperation in support of these strategic priorities, recognising that lasting peace is essential for economic integration, while increased trade and investment contribute to stability, resilience, and sustainable development in Africa. 

Both sides also welcomed the UAE's launch of the US$1 billion "AI for Development" initiative, which was announced at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025. They affirmed that this initiative has the potential to support Africa’s development priorities through innovation and digital transformation.

The Chairperson and the Minister discussed the dynamics of peace and security in the Horn of Africa, emphasising the strong interdependence between stability in this region and security in the Arabian Gulf. This includes concerns related to maritime security and regional prosperity.

Regarding Sudan, both parties highlighted the urgent need for an immediate, unconditional humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire, and unhindered humanitarian access throughout the country. They stressed the importance of accountability for violations of international humanitarian law and the establishment of an independent civilian-led government that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people. 

They recalled the joint statement issued by the African Union Commission and IGAD on September 14, 2025, which welcomed the QUAD Joint Statement from September 12, 2025. Additionally, they remembered the High-Level Humanitarian Conference held during the AU Summit in February 2025, and they welcomed the regional and international efforts to address the humanitarian crisis. Both sides condemned the atrocities committed against civilians by the warring parties and reaffirmed their support for Sudan’s territorial integrity and unity, stressing the necessity of a peaceful resolution.

On Somalia, both sides expressed their ongoing support for the country's sovereignty, territorial integrity, security, and stability.

They also emphasised that the occupation of the three islands of the United Arab Emirates—Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa—by Iran is a violation of the UAE's sovereignty and contravenes the principles of the United Nations Charter. Both parties reiterated their support for the UAE’s call for a peaceful resolution to the dispute over these islands, in accordance with international law, including through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice.

In light of the 2026 African Union theme on water and sanitation, both sides highlighted the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by the UAE and the Republic of Senegal. They regard this conference as a vital opportunity to promote global action on water resilience. The two parties agreed to work closely together to achieve tangible, action-oriented results and measurable impacts across Africa through initiatives like the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation between the African Union Commission and the UAE in order to support shared priorities aimed at promoting peace, stability, and sustainable development.