UAE Investments In Africa Surpass US$110 Billion, Positioning Country As Fourth-Largest Global Investor

The UAE is strengthening its role as a key investment partner in Africa, ranking fourth globally after the US, China, and the European Union. Between 2019 and 2023, investments exceeded US$110 billion, with over US$70 billion directed towards green and renewable energy sectors. This highlights the UAE's leadership among Arab and GCC investors on the continent.

During the UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 in Dubai, Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, discussed investment cooperation opportunities. The summit featured over 100 projects worth more than US$6 billion from more than 20 African countries. These initiatives are expected to generate over 70,000 jobs across Africa.

Bin Touq highlighted that tourism is one of the top five Emirati investment sectors in Africa, alongside energy, infrastructure, logistics, and real estate. He noted that these partnerships are crucial for expanding opportunities for Emirati companies by opening new markets and facilitating knowledge exchange. This approach strengthens economic integration and national competitiveness.

The participation of over 20 African ministers at the summit underscores the UAE’s pivotal role in supporting sustainable investments in Africa. Bin Touq emphasised that tourism and investment partnerships with African nations are strategic pillars for expanding opportunities for Emirati companies. These partnerships aim to open new markets and facilitate knowledge exchange.

On a domestic level, Bin Touq pointed out that tourism investments within the UAE reached AED28.8 billion in 2023. This figure rose to AED32.2 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach AED35.2 billion in 2025. These numbers reflect ongoing efforts to provide exceptional investment opportunities in business tourism, luxury hotels, and sustainable eco-tourism.

Commitment to Development

The minister stated that under the guidance of the UAE’s leadership, the country remains committed to being an active development partner. Hosting the summit reflects this commitment by enhancing investment presence and fostering productive partnerships. The goal is to create a new tourism investment map linking the UAE with Africa.

Bin Touq also mentioned that these efforts aim to elevate bilateral relations between the UAE and African nations to new levels of progress and prosperity. The focus is on creating a robust framework for future collaborations that benefit both regions economically.

The Minister of Economy and Tourism reiterated that hosting such summits showcases promising investment opportunities within the UAE's markets. It particularly highlights areas like business tourism, luxury hotels, sustainable tourism, and eco-tourism as key growth sectors.

With inputs from WAM