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UAE and Africa Deepen Economic Ties Through Trade and Investment

Published

1 day ago

September 24, 2026

Shorya

The UAE-Africa economic ties are now reaching a new stage, as non-oil trade volumes are growing, investments are being augmented, and bilateral agreements are being strengthened. The UAE continues to invest in the continent in excess of $150 billion as their non-oil trade has surpassed $107 billion with the partnership increasingly influencing commerce, infrastructure and sustainable development.

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The UAE-Africa economic corridor is growing from being a commodity exchange only to include other sectors. Jebel Ali Free Zone and Jebel Ali seaport are facilitating African exports like Kenyan tea, Ethiopian coffee and South African citrus to the global market.

CEPAs boost trade and Investment Relations

The UAE’s trade policy in Africa is anchored by Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements. The UAE-Gabon CEPA aims to cut tariffs on goods and promote logistics and mining and agriculture cooperation.

Such agreements can help clarify rules governing cross-border trade and investment flows. They also foster linkages with the private sector as companies find and utilize new markets and value chains.

Ports and Logistics Drive Regional Connectivity

Infrastructure continues to be key to the UAE’s economic ties with Africa. Strategic projects supported by global Emirati operators like DP World and AD Ports Group in West and East Africa are part of the port modernization and logistics initiatives.

The investments seek to enhance the handling capacities of the ports and increase maritime connectivity and alleviate supply-chain bottlenecks. Improved means of transport could play a part in facilitating the movement of goods, and could become easier for businesses to reach regional and international markets as part of this.

Renewable Energy and Critical Minerals Gain Importance

The partnership is also expanding into sectors that are related to the growth of the economy in the future. The new round of investments by UAE companies in renewable energy projects in Africa includes developing utility-scale solar, geothermal and green hydrogen, helping to grow the capacity of cleaner energy sources.

Another emerging cooperation is in the field of Critical minerals. The copper, lithium and cobalt supply value chains reflect a growing need by electric vehicles, advanced technologies and industrial production while providing opportunities to enhance value addition in Africa’s economies.

Financial Support Helps Businesses Manage Risk

African markets are fertile potential markets for UAE companies looking to expand their operations, and export credit support from Etihad Credit Insurance can be utilized for this opportunity. Financial security can help companies deal with commercial risks when entering new markets and larger-scale projects.

Trade agreements, logistic networks, energy investments and financial capabilities are establishing a wider economic ecosystem between the UAE and Africa in specific sectors and markets of both sides.