UAE Consolidates Status as Africa’s Strategic Investment Partner with Over US$110 Billion Invested
The UAE continues to strengthen its position as a key strategic investment partner of the African continent, ranking fourth globally—after the United States, China, and the European Union. From 2019 to 2023, UAE investments into Africa exceeded US$110 billion.
A defining feature of this partnership is the UAE’s focus on sustainable development. Of the total investments, more than US$70 billion was channelled into green, energy, and renewable energy sectors. This establishes the UAE as the leading Arab and GCC investor in Africa’s sustainability transition.
According to Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, “the summit featured investment cooperation opportunities between the UAE and more than 20 African countries, with over 100 projects worth more than US$6 billion presented. These initiatives are expected to create more than 70,000 jobs across the continent.”
The UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025, held in Dubai, has emerged as a dynamic platform to foster regional growth. With over 20 African ministers participating and discussing the enhancement of the tourism sector, the summit reflects the UAE’s pivotal role in supporting effective and sustainable investments in Africa.
Tourism now ranks among the top five Emirati investment sectors on the continent, alongside energy, infrastructure, logistics, and real estate. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri highlighted that tourism and investment partnerships with African nations are a strategic pillar for broadening opportunities for Emirati companies, opening new markets, and boosting knowledge exchange to enhance economic integration and competitiveness.
Under the guidance of the country’s wise leadership, the UAE remains committed to being an active development partner. Hosting the summit is a testament to the UAE’s mission to bolster its investment presence and foster productive partnerships, creating a new tourism investment map that links the UAE and Africa, and raising bilateral relations to new levels of progress and prosperity.
On the domestic front, the Minister underscored the summit’s role in presenting promising investment opportunities within UAE markets, especially in business tourism, luxury hotels, and sustainable and eco-tourism.
Tourism investments in the UAE reached AED28.8 billion in 2023, rose to AED32.2 billion in 2024, and are projected to hit AED35.2 billion in 2025, signalling the country’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional investment opportunities.
Team V.4-EM-UAE
