The UAE claims that between 2019 and 2023, it invested more than $110 billion in Africa, more than any other nation during that time. Of that amount, more than $70 billion was allocated to the energy, green, and renewable sectors.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the United Arab Emirates described its plans for the 2026 African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. In order to discuss continental priorities like peace, security, economic integration, and sustainable development, the UAE's Minister of State attended along with heads of state and other high-ranking officials.

According to the statement, the Africa Green Investment Initiative has raised $4.5 billion to accelerate the development of clean energy, with over 60 projects in the works that include solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage, and green hydrogen technologies. Masdar, a renewable energy company based in Abu Dhabi, is spearheading a $10 billion Africa program, and the Etihad 7 initiative seeks to provide electricity to up to 100 million people by 2035.

Nine Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements with African nations, including Nigeria, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sierra Leone, Gabon, Angola, Kenya, Congo-Brazzaville, Mauritius, and the Central African Republic, were also signed, according to the United Arab Emirates.

According to the statement, these agreements are intended to enhance value chains and promote cross-border competitiveness in order to supplement the African Continental Free Trade Area. They cover tariffs, services, digital trade, and investment protection.