H.H. Sheikh Mohammed meets with African business, philanthropic leaders

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Saturday met with a delegation of African business and philanthropic leaders visiting the UAE.

The 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, which was held at the Address Creek Harbour 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 maximising the developmental impact of commercial investments.

The delegation’s UAE programme includes high-level engagements aimed at deepening cooperation across key sectors. Delegates are also taking part in discussions with senior UAE officials, investment institutions and philanthropic organisations to explore regulatory enablers, long-term co-investment opportunities and new partnership models connecting the public, private and philanthropic sectors. These exchanges are set to inform future collaboration and strengthen the growing momentum in UAE–Africa relations.

The UAE has become one of Africa’s most active foreign state investors, deploying more than US$110 billion between 2019 and 2023, including over US$70 billion in renewable energy and green infrastructure. The UAE also launched the US$1 billion ‘AI for Development’ initiative to finance and scale artificial intelligence projects across the continent, supporting the integration of advanced technologies in education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

During the meeting, His Highness said, “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.”