UAE and over 20 African nations launch $6 billion investment mapping to boost tourism, aviation, and infrastructure partnerships
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has joined hands with more than 20 African nations to launch a new investment mapping initiative aimed at deepening cooperation in tourism, aviation, logistics, infrastructure, and digital transformation. The agreement was formalized through a joint ministerial statement during a high-level roundtable held in Dubai on the sidelines of the UAE–Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Held under the theme “Tourism at the Heart of Africa’s Growth Agenda,” the meeting brought together H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, and tourism ministers from more than 20 African countries. The discussions centered on positioning tourism as a key driver of sustainable economic growth, improving air connectivity, and attracting private investment into Africa’s tourism and infrastructure sectors.
According to the joint statement, the newly launched investment mapping includes nearly USD 6 billion worth of tourism-related projects, expected to generate around 70,000 new jobs across participating African countries.
“Today, the UAE and Africa stand at a pivotal moment in developing a resilient and sustainable tourism sector,” said H.E. Abdulla Bin Touq Al Marri. “This initiative will create a qualitative shift in the level of tourism partnerships between the UAE and Africa, while inviting regional and global business communities to participate in tourism investment projects that drive comprehensive and sustainable development.”
Five Key Pillars for Cooperation
The joint ministerial statement identifies five priority areas to guide future collaboration between the UAE and African nations:
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Tourism: Develop quality infrastructure, enhance air connectivity, build human capital, promote the circular economy, and advance digital transformation.
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Investment and Infrastructure: Establish predictable regulatory frameworks, facilitate investment, and align efforts with continental initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
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Aviation and Connectivity: Expand air links, improve logistics networks, and enhance regional mobility to unlock tourism potential.
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Sustainability: Promote climate-resilient tourism projects, invest in renewable energy and nature-based solutions, and strengthen the protection of ecosystems.
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SME Financing and Innovation: Empower youth and women entrepreneurs, foster digital startups, and facilitate access to finance through public–private partnerships and multilateral support.
Strengthening UAE–Africa Partnerships
Ministers recognized the UAE as a reliable strategic partner in advancing Africa’s tourism and economic growth, citing the Emirates’ success in leveraging tourism to diversify its economy and attract international investment. They emphasized collaboration with institutions such as the African Development Bank, World Bank Group, UN Tourism, and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to ensure access to financing, technical assistance, and policy support.
The investment mapping will serve as a blueprint for channeling capital toward priority projects in aviation, transport, logistics, infrastructure, and the digital economy. Participating countries invited international investors and development partners to explore opportunities under this framework through public–private partnerships (PPPs), blended finance, and debt-for-nature swaps.
The meeting concluded with ministers expressing appreciation to the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism for hosting the summit and for its continued commitment to fostering mutually beneficial UAE–Africa partnerships in sustainable tourism and economic development.
