The UAE is the largest source of foreign investments in Africa

On behalf of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the State, may God protect him, the Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, participated in the “African CEO Forum 2026”, held in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, at the head of an Emirati delegation.

The value of the UAE’s non-oil trade with the African continent exceeded $160.4 billion in the year 2025, achieving a growth of 43.6% compared to the year 2024, and about double its value recorded in the year 2023. The UAE has also become the largest source of new foreign direct investments in the continent, with investments exceeding $110 billion in various parts of the continent since 2019.

In his speech before the forum, Al-Zeyoudi stressed the UAE’s firm commitment to stimulating sustainable economic growth in Africa. He said: “Africa has promising ingredients and potential, and the countries of the continent represent a major focus in the UAE’s plans to expand trade and investment partnerships as part of its strategy for greater openness to the world to stimulate global growth.”

He added: “Through the UAE’s contribution, through many existing projects in African countries, to supporting the development of the continent’s logistical capabilities, infrastructure, digital and manufacturing sector, sustainable economic prosperity can be achieved that benefits both parties, while ensuring the ability of African companies and exporters to access global markets.”

Al-Zeyoudi held a series of bilateral meetings with ministers, CEOs of international institutions and organizations, business leaders, and CEOs of major companies. He also participated in a strategic dialogue session with the most prominent business leaders in Africa, on the mechanisms for setting development goals for the continent.

On the sidelines of the forum, DP World organized an event on Africa’s role in global supply chains, during which Al-Zeyoudi presented the UAE’s ongoing efforts to participate in expanding ports, producing renewable energy, and developing free zones in a number of African countries.