UAE Investments in Africa Reach $110 Billion Over 5 Years

His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, confirmed that the UAE is currently the largest development partner and the most important source of foreign direct investment in the African continent, noting that the country has invested more than $110 billion in various African countries between 2019 and 2024.

He explained at the opening of the International Forum for the Advancement of the African Economy (FOGECA) in Dubai that the progress the UAE has made in trade partnerships with various African countries is indeed remarkable.

He said: "Today's forum is based on our close relationship and our shared goal of deepening cooperation and partnership with the private sector."

He pointed out that Senegal is a strong example of distinguished economic and trade relations. He affirmed the UAE's commitment to expanding economic relations with various African countries.

He clarified that the volume of non-oil trade between the UAE and Senegal reached $933 million during the first nine months of 2025, with a 21% year-on-year growth and an increase of about 32.9% compared to the same period in 2024, and that our non-oil trade continues to accelerate.

"We can link African innovation with global capital and align African resources with international demand, creating shared prosperity," he continued. "Together, we can build economic bridges that span continents and generations."

He noted that the UAE has strong economic and trade relations with various African countries.

He added that Dubai is considered the gateway of the African continent to global markets, as the country is keen to support development efforts, progress, and the development of economic and trade relations with African countries.

He pointed out that there are Emirati companies operating in Africa in several sectors, most notably energy and renewable energy, agriculture, transportation, and logistics services, and that thousands of African companies operate in the UAE.

He highlighted that the UAE is characterized by realism, economic diversity, and openness to the world. He added that the International Forum for the Advancement of the African Economy (FOGECA) provides a unique opportunity for dialogue between the private sector.

It identifies joint projects, connects African project developers with Emirati investment funds, innovative startups with free zones in the UAE, and African cities undergoing transformation with high-performance logistics hubs.