The UAE has emerged as one of Africa's largest investors, investing billions of dollars into various industries and nations throughout the continent.

The UAE has spent USD 5.64 billion (Dh20.7 billion) in 71 different projects, making it the fourth largest foreign investor in Africa.

According to Knight Frank's Africa Horizons Report 2021-22, Nairobi, Cape Town, Kampala, Cairo, Johannesburg, Dar es Salaam, Lagos, Dakar, Accra, and Addis Abeba are Africa's most innovative cities.

“The next decade of investment in Africa will be driven by innovation and economic growth. Lower-risk investors will most likely prefer places with above-average innovation rankings and a strong economy. Cairo, Egypt, is the standout performer, as is Johannesburg, South Africa. Despite experiencing short-term shocks, these cities have the most potential to be economically resilient in the long term,” said Tilda Mwai, Researcher for Africa at Knight Frank.

Over the next ten years, Africa's population will expand at the highest rate in the world, putting all current infrastructure under strain.

According to Emil Rademeyer, managing director of ABiQ, "the pandemic has demolished fiscal coffers in Africa, and the demand for FDI will attract even more attention." Countries, and eventually cities, with progressive legislative frameworks that safeguard foreign investment, will enjoy exponential development over the next ten years.”