The United Arab Emirates has launched a new phase of economic cooperation with Africa, unveiling a $6 billion investment mapping plan to boost collaboration across tourism, aviation, transport, logistics, infrastructure, and digital transformation.
The initiative was formalized during a high-level ministerial roundtable in Dubai, held alongside the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Chaired by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, Minister of Economy and Tourism, the meeting brought together ministers from over 20 African nations to advance partnerships aimed at developing sustainable and resilient tourism economies. The joint ministerial statement emphasized tourism as a strategic driver of inclusive growth, with the investment pipeline expected to create around 70,000 jobs across the continent.
Al Marri described the move as a “qualitative shift” in UAE-Africa relations, highlighting the UAE’s role as a global tourism hub and model for effective public–private collaboration. The roundtable underscored the importance of strengthening air connectivity, upgrading infrastructure, and encouraging innovative financing mechanisms to drive sustainable growth.
The joint statement outlined five key pillars for cooperation: tourism development, investment and infrastructure, aviation and connectivity, sustainability, and SME financing and innovation. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area as a foundation for regional integration and welcomed the UAE’s partnership in mobilizing capital and expertise.
Participants also called for stronger engagement with development finance institutions and global organizations to support project implementation and policy development. The meeting concluded with a shared vision to position tourism as a cornerstone of Africa’s economic transformation and a catalyst for sustainable development.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
