UAE entities announce more than US$168 billion in African investments since 2017

UAE entities have announced more than US$168 billion in projects across Africa since 2017, spanning sectors including renewable energy, infrastructure, mining and agriculture, according to Financial Times analysis, highlighting the growing scale and diversity of economic ties between the UAE and African countries.

The relationship is increasingly extending beyond traditional areas of investment. UAE companies and institutions are supporting projects across clean energy, technology, transport and logistics, alongside growing cooperation in agriculture, industry and other sectors critical to Africa’s long-term economic development.

The partnership is also moving into emerging technologies. In 2025, the UAE launched its US$1 billion AI for Development initiative to support and finance artificial intelligence projects across African countries, strengthening digital infrastructure and supporting applications in areas including education, agriculture and healthcare.

Together, these developments point to a UAE-Africa investment relationship that is becoming broader in both geography and sector.

Country partnerships across Africa

In Kenya, growing economic cooperation is being supported by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement between the two countries. The partnership is opening opportunities for greater investment and cooperation across sectors including technology, agriculture, infrastructure and logistics, while supporting Kenya’s role as an important trade and investment gateway to East Africa.

In Ethiopia, UAE investment is helping strengthen the infrastructure connecting the landlocked country to regional and international markets. DP World and Ethiopia have explored development of the Ethiopian side of the Berbera Corridor, including supply-chain infrastructure such as dry ports, warehouses, container yards and cold-chain facilities. The Ethiopian Investment Commission describes the agreement as a deal worth US$1 billion. Improved access through the corridor could provide Ethiopian businesses and exporters with additional routes to international markets and strengthen regional trade.

In Nigeria, the UAE’s engagement is expanding across technology, infrastructure, agriculture and renewable energy. The economic relationship has been further strengthened through the UAE-Nigeria Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, creating a framework for greater trade and investment between the two countries and supporting Nigeria’s position as a gateway to one of Africa’s largest consumer markets.

In South Africa, UAE investment is contributing to the country’s transition towards cleaner sources of energy. Dubai-based AMEA Power developed the 120MW Doornhoek Solar PV Project in the North West Province under a 20-year power purchase agreement with Eskom. The project, recently operational will annually deliver 325GWh, adding new renewable generation capacity and support efforts to strengthen the country’s electricity supply.

Wider economic implications

These examples illustrate a wider shift in the UAE’s economic engagement with Africa. Investment is increasingly reaching the systems that underpin economic growth – from the energy needed to power industries and businesses, to digital technologies that can improve productivity and infrastructure that connects producers with markets.

The growing focus on renewable energy is particularly significant. Beyond increasing generation capacity, reliable and affordable power can support manufacturing, mineral processing, agriculture and the development of new industries, allowing African economies to capture more value domestically.

The same opportunity exists in technology. The UAE’s growing engagement in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure creates opportunities to combine investment with skills development, innovation and productivity gains across African economies.

For African countries, the increasing diversity of UAE investment also provides access to new sources of capital and expertise at a time when infrastructure financing remains a significant challenge.

The opportunity is to ensure that investment translates into lasting economic value – through stronger local supply chains, skills development, technology transfer, employment and infrastructure that supports businesses and communities beyond individual projects.

As UAE-Africa economic ties continue to deepen, the significance of the US$168 billion investment pipeline will ultimately be measured not simply by the capital announced, but by the infrastructure built, industries supported and opportunities created across the continent.

The growing partnership provides an opportunity to build a long-term economic relationship centred on connectivity, technology, sustainable infrastructure and shared growth.

ENDS