Emirati Investment in Africa Gains Momentum with ECI Driving Purposeful Capital Flow
Dubai, 1st October 2025 – The Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), Raja Al Mazrouei, has underlined the growing drive of Emirati investors seeking new opportunities throughout African markets. She emphasized that ECI is actively supporting this expansion by extending export credit insurance, investment guarantees, and project finance support for UAE enterprises venturing into the continent.
Addressing a panel session entitled “Capital with Purpose – Financing Africa’s next chapter,” part of The Africa Debate 2025 in Dubai and organised by the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Invest Africa, Al Mazrouei emphasized the formation of a new era of globalisation between the UAE and Africa. This era is propelled by sustainable, diversified, and impact-oriented investment.
The session highlighted the Capital with Purpose initiative as a strategic evolution in UAE-Africa relations, transitioning from traditional trade and capital flows to a diversified, resilient, and impact-driven investment model. This paradigm encourages resilient growth, amplifies global competitiveness, and forges a cycle of investment, job creation, and technology transfer.
ECI’s critical role in fueling this transformation was spotlighted throughout the session. As the UAE’s federal export credit company, ECI is central in de-risking and promoting high-capital participation by providing credit guarantees, risk mitigation, and financial solutions. These instruments are crucial for substantial projects needing significant upfront investment and long-term commitment, especially in key sectors like renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation.
Currently, ECI operates across 30 African countries, empowering UAE small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to integrate with continental supply chains and supporting sovereign-led infrastructure projects. Recent deals span vital areas including healthcare, hospital construction, medical fleets, emergency infrastructure, firefighting, technology and data, and green energy sectors such as solar and wind projects. ECI’s initiatives involve partnerships with other Export Credit Agencies (ECAs), Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), and the private sector to develop innovative financial solutions.
The panel also showcased the UAE’s broader commitment to sustainable development in Africa, highlighting the African Green Investment Initiative (AGII). Announced at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi in September 2023, AGII unites diverse stakeholders and introduces a new approach to climate finance, pooling resources, expertise, and local insights.
In closing, the discussion drew attention to ECI’s support of the UAE’s global clean energy agenda. At COP28, the UAE pledged USD 4.5 billion to accelerate clean energy projects across Africa. In direct alignment, ECI is providing USD 500 million in credit insurance to reduce investment risk and mobilise private capital—further confirming ECI’s steadfast support for global sustainable development.
Hosting the second edition of the forum in Dubai underscores the UAE’s expanding economic and trade relationship with African countries. The UAE is already the largest investor in Africa among its GCC peers, and the Emirates’ continued leadership enhances connectivity and collaborative development with the continent. Dubai’s 2025 hosting follows the successful 2024 edition and a legacy of ten forums previously held in London.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
