UAE deepens support to Africa with $110bn investments, green push

From Uche Usim

The Minister of State of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, joined other dignitaries at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union on February 14, 2026, to discuss continental priorities, including peace, security, economic integration and sustainable development.

The UAE reiterated its support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063, strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, renewable energy, food security, digital transformation and capacity building. Sheikh Shakhbout met with numerous African leaders to discuss political and economic developments and deepen partnerships across sectors.

Between 2019 and 2023, the UAE committed over $110 billion in investments across Africa, the highest by any single country in that period, with more than $70 billion directed to energy and renewable sectors. Initiatives such as the Africa Green Investment Initiative, Masdar’s $10 billion Africa programme and the Etihad 7 initiative aim to expand clean energy access and provide electricity to up to 100 million people by 2035.

The UAE has also signed nine Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with African countries – including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya and Angola – covering tariffs, services, digital trade and investment protection. Complementing these agreements, DP World and AD Ports are upgrading key African ports, including Dar es Salaam and Luanda, to strengthen regional trade infrastructure.

Over the past decade, nearly 40 per cent of UAE foreign assistance – approximately $20.9 billion – has supported African development, humanitarian and charitable initiatives. Looking ahead, water and climate resilience are emerging priorities, with the UAE set to co-host the 2026 UN Water Conference with Senegal, highlighting their shared commitment to water security and sanitation.

Sheikh Shakhbout’s participation underscores the UAE’s strategic vision to foster sustainable development, economic integration and long-term partnerships across Africa, anchored in trust, investment and mutual growth.