UAE Announces Over $168 Billion in Investments Across Africa Since 2017

UAE entities have announced projects worth more than US$168 billion across Africa since 2017, reflecting the expanding economic relationship between the UAE and the continent.

According to a Financial Times analysis cited by the UAE, the investments span renewable energy, infrastructure, mining, agriculture, technology, logistics, and other sectors.

The growing engagement is also extending into emerging technologies.

In 2025, the UAE launched a US$1 billion AI for Development initiative to support artificial intelligence projects in African countries.

UAE Expands Investment in African Infrastructure and AI

Additionally, the initiative is expected to support digital infrastructure and AI applications across sectors such as education, technology, and agriculture.

Kenya’s position as a regional trade and investment gateway also makes it important to the expansion of UAE-Africa economic ties.

Also Read: From Climate Ambition to Green Industry: Why Kenya and the UAE Must Build a Green Corridor

In Ethiopia, UAE-linked investment is focused partly on strengthening infrastructure connecting it to regional and international markets.

The Ethiopian Investment Commission has described the agreement as a 1 billion U.S. dollar deal aimed at improving supply chain connectivity and providing Ethiopian businesses and exporters with additional routes to international markets.

Nigeria Emerges as Key UAE Investment Destination

Meanwhile, the UAE’s engagement in Nigeria covers technology, infrastructure, agriculture and renewable energy.

Their relationship has also been strengthened through a comprehensive partnership agreement between the UAE and Nigeria.

In South Africa, Dubai-based AMEA Power is developing the 120-megawatt Doornhoek Solar PV Project in the North West Province.

The project is being developed under a 20-year power purchase agreement with Eskom and is expected to add renewable energy capacity to the country’s electricity system.

Economic Development

These investments show the UAE’s growing focus on sectors that support long-term economic development such as energy, transport, digital technology and infrastructure.

For African countries, the investments provide additional sources of capital and technical expertise during a time when infrastructure financing is a challenge.

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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 relations continue to deepen, the scale of the projects that have been announced signals a broader partnership between the countries.

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