His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has met with a delegation of African business and philanthropic leaders visiting the UAE, aiming to strengthen ties and advance joint development opportunities.
The meeting was attended by HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. The African delegation included Africa’s most influential private-sector and philanthropic figures from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Egypt, Sudan, and Zimbabwe.
Representing key sectors including energy, digital infrastructure, logistics, agriculture and food systems, the delegates oversee companies and foundations that collectively drive national GDP, generate employment, and reinforce community resilience across the continent.
The meeting was also attended by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; HE Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs; HE Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World; HE Abdulla Balalaa, Assistant Minister for Energy and Sustainability Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA); and HE Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism.
The meeting, which was held at the Address Creek Harbor Hotel in Dubai, saw discussions on prospects for expanding joint investments and developing new frameworks of cooperation in the fields of conventional and renewable energy, digital infrastructure, supply chains and transport, agriculture and food, in addition to strengthening the role of community and philanthropic initiatives in maximizing the developmental impact of commercial investments.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Ruler of Dubai Vice President And Prime Minister – UAE
“The UAE and Dubai believe deeply in the power of partnership to accelerate progress. Our ties with Africa are rooted in deep historical, human and economic connections, and we view the continent as a key partner in shaping a more prosperous and stable future for our region and the world. The UAE’s innovation-driven development and Africa’s remarkable dynamism create strong synergies with far-reaching potential. By working closely with partners across the continent, we aim to advance innovation, strengthen energy and food security, expand opportunity, and build pathways for more resilient, inclusive and sustainable economies.”
HE Badr Jafar, Special Envoy of the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Business and Philanthropy and the host of the delegation, said: “This visit brings together leaders whose decisions shape economic and social outcomes across the continent. When business, government, and philanthropy work in alignment, we unlock solutions that strengthen resilience, expand opportunity, and support long-term prosperity. The UAE remains committed to working alongside partners across Africa to advance future-focused collaboration grounded in mutual respect and shared benefit.
UAE-Africa relations
The discussions are held at a time of exceptional momentum in UAE-Africa relations. The UAE has emerged as one of the continent’s most active foreign state investors, channeling more than $110 billion between 2019 and 2023, including over $70 billion dedicated to renewable energy and green infrastructure.
Image credits: Dubai Media Office | Cropped by GBN
The UAE has recently launched the $1 billion ‘AI for Development’ initiative to fund and expand artificial intelligence projects across Africa, boosting the adoption of advanced technologies in education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
The delegation’s UAE program features high-level engagements focused on deepening cooperation across key sectors. The delegates will meet senior UAE officials, investment institutions and philanthropic organizations to explore regulatory enablers, long-term co-investment opportunities and new partnership models linking the public, private and philanthropic sectors. The talks will help shape future collaboration and reinforce the growing momentum in UAE-Africa relations.
