U.A.E. Expands Its Influence in Africa Through Strategic Investments

Across Africa’s vital economic and strategic hubs—ranging from ports along crucial trade routes to mines producing essential minerals and expansive renewable energy projects—the United Arab Emirates has established a growing footprint.

As traditional global powers like the United States and, to a lesser extent, China scale back their investments, aid, and presence on the continent, the UAE is stepping in to fill the gap by deploying its substantial wealth and influence.

Since 2019, investments from the Persian Gulf region, led predominantly by Emirati entities closely connected to ruling authorities, have surged dramatically. Announcements have totaled $110 billion in deals, far exceeding commitments from any other nation.

Experts observe that the UAE is rapidly becoming a dominant foreign actor across much of Africa, positioning itself strategically to expand its economic and geopolitical reach.

The country’s ambitions extend beyond investment; its drive to become a global leader in finance and advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, is intensifying. Recent developments facilitating the sale of cutting-edge American AI chips to the UAE underscore this trajectory.

These broad-ranging initiatives form part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing the UAE’s global influence, particularly by securing key roles within international supply chains.