The UAE and African nations have launched a $6 billion investment roadmap to expand partnerships in tourism, aviation, logistics, infrastructure, and digital transformation, marking a major milestone in UAE–Africa cooperation.
The announcement came during the UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025, held at Expo City Dubai under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Themed “Building Bridges for Sustainable Growth” and “Tourism at the Heart of Africa’s Growth Agenda,” the summit convened over 350 ministers, investors, and business leaders from the UAE and 53 African countries, reflecting the UAE’s growing role as a hub for sustainable global economic collaboration.
Sheikh Mohammed: ‘Tourism is a vital contributor to our economy’
During his meeting with African delegates, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to deepening economic and tourism ties with Africa, describing the continent as “a key partner in shaping the future of global tourism.”
“Tourism is a vital contributor to our national economy and a sector that offers tremendous opportunities for continued growth and new partnerships,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
“The UAE–Africa partnership holds immense promise and has always been characterised by a shared belief in discovering new avenues for cooperation to shape a better tomorrow.”
He emphasized that tourism investment serves as a model for economic integration, cultural exchange, and sustainable prosperity, rooted in shared goals and mutual development.
$6 Billion Investment Map to Create 70,000 Jobs
A high-level ministerial roundtable on the sidelines of the summit — featuring representatives from more than 20 African nations — culminated in a Joint Ministerial Statement outlining a new roadmap for UAE–Africa cooperation.
The plan identifies aviation, logistics, infrastructure, and digital transformation projects worth approximately $6 billion, projected to create around 70,000 direct and indirect jobs across participating countries.
Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, highlighted the initiative’s transformative potential:
“Today, the UAE and Africa stand at a pivotal moment in developing a resilient and sustainable tourism sector. This milestone features diverse projects valued at roughly $6 billion, with the potential to generate 70,000 job opportunities.”
He added that the roadmap represents a “qualitative shift” in UAE–Africa tourism cooperation — paving the way for greater private-sector involvement and positioning tourism as a pillar of economic diversification.
Five Pillars for UAE–Africa Cooperation
The Joint Ministerial Statement outlined five strategic pillars to guide future collaboration:
- Tourism Development – Building quality tourism infrastructure, improving air connectivity, enhancing human capital, and accelerating digital transformation.
- Investment and Infrastructure – Promoting transparent regulatory frameworks, encouraging private investment, and aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
- Aviation and Connectivity – Expanding regional air links and logistics to unlock new and underserved destinations.
- Sustainability – Supporting renewable energy, green tourism projects, and climate-resilient infrastructure.
- SME Financing and Innovation – Empowering youth and women entrepreneurs through financing, innovation hubs, and public–private partnerships (PPPs).
The ministers also called on development finance institutions and private investors to engage through PPPs, blended finance, and debt-for-nature swaps, recognising private investment as a key driver of inclusive growth.
African Leaders Praise UAE’s Economic Model
African ministers lauded the UAE’s success in leveraging tourism to diversify its economy and attract global investment, calling the Emirates a strategic and reliable partner in advancing Africa’s sustainable development.
They reaffirmed the AfCFTA as a cornerstone of the continent’s competitiveness and highlighted the UAE’s role in mobilising capital and connectivity to enhance regional integration.
The ministers agreed to maintain a coordination mechanism to monitor the progress of the $6 billion investment roadmap and report at the next summit.
Shared Vision for Sustainable and Inclusive Tourism
The summit underscored a shared commitment to inclusive, resilient tourism-led growth that empowers women and youth, supports SMEs, and protects cultural and natural heritage.
Both sides reaffirmed their focus on innovation-driven, sustainable tourism as a catalyst for economic resilience, environmental protection, and long-term prosperity across the UAE and Africa.
At a Glance: UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025
- Location: Expo City Dubai
- Patronage: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
- Theme: “Building Bridges for Sustainable Growth”
- Participants: 350+ ministers, investors, and industry leaders from 53 African nations
- Investment Value: $6 billion across aviation, logistics, infrastructure, and digital sectors
- Job Creation: 70,000 new direct and indirect opportunities
