The Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), in collaboration with The Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR), has launched the UAE-Africa Dialogue. This initiative aims to strengthen ties between the UAE and Sub-Saharan African countries, addressing shared challenges and opportunities across economic, cultural, diplomatic, and security domains. Held at AGDA on October 28th and 29th, the event brings together a distinguished group of scholars, diplomats, and policymakers to pave the way for future collaborations.
The opening ceremony featured keynotes from His Excellency Nickolay Mladenov, Director General of AGDA, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al-Nuaimi, Director General of ECSSR, and His Excellency Ambassador Martin Kimani, Executive Director of New York University’s Center on International Cooperation. Their speeches emphasized the importance of UAE-Africa relations in addressing shared regional and global priorities.
Promoting Economic Growth and Sustainable Development
His Excellency Nickolay Mladenov highlighted the UAE’s growing economic partnerships with African nations, noting, “The growing economic partnerships between the UAE and Africa, shaped by geographical proximity and historical ties, are now focused on addressing critical issues such as food security, energy transition and infrastructure development. Hosting the UAE-Africa Dialogue at AGDA is a testament to our Academy’s commitment to driving meaningful discussions on how economic diplomacy can make a difference in promoting economic growth in both regions.”
His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al-Nuaimi expanded on the UAE’s commitment to sustainable growth in Africa, pointing out the UAE’s investments in African infrastructure in sectors such as energy, transportation, and telecommunications. He added, “The UAE has a history of investing in infrastructure development in African nations, in fields including transportation, energy, agriculture and telecommunications to support sustainable growth. Fully aligned with the United Nations’ SDGs, we also focus on helping to alleviate poverty and promote environmental sustainability.”
Diverse Topics and Strategic Goals
The UAE-Africa Dialogue includes discussions on economic cooperation, conflict resolution, and climate resilience. Sessions on “UAE-Africa Diplomacy, Conflict Resolution and Security,” “Economic Cooperation,” and “UAE-Africa Cooperation in Innovative Technologies” highlight the UAE’s multifaceted approach to fostering strong ties with African nations.
Paving the Way for Future Collaborations
This dialogue aligns with several UAE-African initiatives, such as CEPA agreements and the Ministry of Economy’s UAE-Africa Gateway. Furthermore, as a key foreign investor in Africa, the UAE stands positioned to collaborate within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enhancing trade with a larger, unified African market.
By convening top advisors and policymakers, the UAE-Africa Dialogue provides a platform for advancing the UAE’s partnerships with Sub-Saharan Africa, fostering a future of shared growth, sustainability, and prosperity.
