UAE Says It Seeks 'Long-Term' Partnership with Africa on Growth

The United Arab Emirates is seeking to establish itself as a long-term partner for African nations in pursuit of shared economic growth, according to remarks from Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, an Emirati minister of state for foreign affairs, reported by Sky News Arabia.

Al Nahyan said relations between the UAE and African countries are expanding across a range of sectors, including infrastructure, energy, logistics services, innovation and market access. He described the UAE's ambition as becoming a long-term partner for Africa in achieving shared economic growth and sustainable prosperity.

The UAE has significantly expanded its economic and diplomatic engagement with African nations in recent years, part of a broader strategy of diversifying its international partnerships beyond traditional Gulf and Western relationships. Emirati state-linked companies and investment funds have increasingly participated in infrastructure and energy projects across the African continent.

The minister's remarks reflect a broader trend among Gulf states, which have sought to position themselves as alternative sources of investment and development financing for African nations, alongside more established partners such as China, the European Union and the United States.

No specific new investment figures or agreements were announced alongside the minister's comments, which were framed as a general statement of the UAE's strategic direction toward Africa rather than the unveiling of a particular initiative.

Further details on which African countries or sectors would be prioritised under this partnership approach were not specified in the available report.