The United Arab Emirates has emerged as a significant economic partner across Francophone Africa, complementing rather than displacing long-established actors. Although its engagement remains relatively recent,the scale of investment commitments and the consistency of political dialog reveal an ambition to anchor durable partnerships throughout West and Central Africa.
This shift coincides with a broader trend of diversification, as governments in the region seek to widen strategic alliances. Emirati institutions and private sector groups have positioned themselves as pragmatic partners focused on energy, essential infrastructure, technology and investment facilitation.
A new phase in West Africa’s economic partnerships
Over the past decade, the UAE has deployed more than 110 billion USD in Africa, with a notable concentration in Francophone West and central Africa. these countries have traditionally relied on France as their main investor and advancement partner. Yet as states pursue broader diplomatic and economic diversification, the UAE has emerged as a preferred interlocutor for public authorities and private sector actors alike.
Côte d’Ivoire illustrates this shift. As the largest economy in the West African Economic and Monetary Union and the second largest in ECOWAS, it has long cultivated strong commercial ties with France. Renewable energy now stands at the forefront of cooperation with the UAE. The Ivorian government aims to raise the share of renewables to 45 percent of the electricity mix by 2030, including 678 MW of solar power. AMEA power, a subsidiary of Al Nowais Investments, inaugurated the 81.8 million USD Boundiali solar plant in 2024 with an initial capacity of 37.5 MW, set to increase to 80 MW. The company also launched the Bondoukou project valued at 60 million USD and expected to deliver 50 MW upon completion. infinity Power secured two concession agreements to construct solar plants in Laboa and Touba with a combined capacity of 80 MW, following a competitive process supervised by the IFC.
Political dialogue has intensified in parallel. During a week-long visit to the UAE in November 2024, Prime Minister Robert Mambe Beugre secured 50 million USD from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and concluded an agreement for the construction of 25,000 low-cost homes and 7,000 social housing units. A mixed commission between the two governments was also established to ensure sustained coordination. Earlier in the year, a non-binding agreement with G42 presight prepared the ground for a 95 million USD investment in a data centre, artificial intelligence systems and civil service management tools. bilateral trade rose from 37.2 billion XOF in 2015 to 159.2 billion XOF in 2022 before stabilising at 121.8 billion XOF in 2023.Institutional partnerships have also deepened thru agreements with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in 2023 and the UAE Federation of Chambers of Commerce in 2025.
Senegal and Togo: consolidating a diversified landscape
Senegal has long retained strong economic ties with France, yet it has increasingly consolidated its partnership with the UAE. The Ndayane Port development, led by DP World, represents one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects, with 840 million USD committed. Following his election in April 2024, President Bassirou diomaye Faye travelled to the UAE in December to reaffirm cooperation priorities in agriculture, education and energy.A subsequent visit by Prime minister Ousmane Sonko in September culminated in a bilateral investment forum where Emirati investors identified agriculture, energy, information technology, mining and port infrastructure as opportunities aligned with the vision 2050 agenda.
Togo has likewise emerged as a key destination for Emirati renewable energy investment. The Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed solar plant in Blitta, inaugurated in 2021, was the country
Okay, here’s a breakdown of the UAE’s economic engagement in Africa, based on the provided text. I’ll summarize the key points for each country mentioned, and then offer some overall observations.
1. Côte d’Ivoire & Togo (Brief Mention – Renewable Energy)
* The text mentions renewable energy investments in these countries,but provides no specific details. It serves as an example of broader engagement across Francophone Africa.
* Specifically, Côte d’Ivoire is mentioned as receiving investment in renewable energy.
* Togo is also mentioned as receiving investment in renewable energy.
2. Chad (The Focal Point)
* Significant Financial Commitment: The UAE has become a major investor in Chad,with a total of $700 million in loans approved ( $500 million in October 2024 and $200 million mobilized in 2023).
* Alignment with National Strategy: Investments are strongly aligned with Chad’s “Tchad connexion 2030” development plan.
* Key Sectors:
* Energy: AMEA Power is developing solar projects with a combined capacity of 156-180 MW (36-60 MW + 120 MW). A battery storage system of at least 10 MWh is also planned.
* Infrastructure: Feasibility studies are underway for the N’Djamena-N’Gaoundere railway, aiming to improve regional connectivity.
* Diversified Investment: The UAE is also expressing interest in agriculture, finance, logistics, transport, and tourism.
* UAE-Chad Forum (November 2025): A major event that solidified the partnership, attracting heads of state from Chad, niger, and Togo, as well as representatives from the World Bank and other development finance institutions. This resulted in over 40 MoUs across a wide range of sectors.
* Total Commitments: the forum generated $20.5 billion in investment commitments.
* Expanding Scope: Cooperation is broadening to include telecommunications, tourism, financial services, healthcare, and education.
3. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – Focus on Critical Minerals
* Strategic Focus: Emirati engagement in the DRC is heavily focused on securing access to critical minerals.
* Primera Group Deal (July 2023): A $1.9 billion agreement with Sakima to develop four mineral deposits (tantalum, tungsten, coltan, tin) with a 25-year export arrangement for artisanal ores.
* International Resources Holding Acquisition (2024): Acquired a majority stake in Alphamin Resources and control of the Bisie mining complex.
* Supply Chain Importance: These investments position the UAE within a key sector for global supply chains.
4. Senegal (Brief Mention – infrastructure & Mining)
* The text mentions major infrastructure and mining ventures in Senegal as another example of broader engagement.
Overall observations:
* Strategic Partnership: The UAE is actively building strategic economic partnerships across Francophone Africa.
* Political Alignment: These partnerships are underpinned by high-level political engagement and dialogue.
* Diversification (but with focus): While the UAE is diversifying its investments across sectors, ther’s a clear focus on areas that align with its strategic interests (energy, critical minerals, infrastructure).
* Development Goals: the UAE frames its investments as supporting the development goals and national priorities of the African countries involved.
* Long-Term Vision: The investments and partnerships appear to be geared towards long-term economic resilience and modernization in the region.
* Chad as a Hub: Chad is emerging as a especially significant focal point for Emirati engagement, potentially serving as a regional hub.
Let me know if you’d like me to elaborate on any specific aspect or country!