Gulf investment in Africa hit a turning point this week as leaders, investors, and policymakers gathered in Dubai for The Africa Debate – UAE 2025. The summit, themed “Shared Markets, Shared Future,” marked a clear shift from aid and one-off trade deals to long-term, strategic partnerships between the Gulf and Africa. Over 500 delegates from both regions and the wider global finance space were in attendance.
Figures presented at the event showed just how deep Gulf commitments have become. In the past decade, foreign direct investment from Gulf states into Africa has grown to more than $179bn, with the UAE leading at $64.3bn. Projections suggest Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) commitments could pass $100bn by 2030, focused on infrastructure, renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, and the fast-growing digital economy.
Speakers highlighted this change in mindset. Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Irro pitched his nation as a new gateway to East Africa, pointing to the Berbera Port expansion by Emirati operator DP World. He stressed opportunities across trade, logistics, energy, the Blue Economy, and technology. Others emphasised that Gulf capital is moving towards “purpose finance” – investments tied to sustainability, supply chain resilience, and skills transfer, not just profit.
Energy and infrastructure dominated the sessions, with groups like the Africa Finance Corporation and Infinity Power showcasing blended finance models to drive renewable energy projects. Delegates agreed Gulf investment could help Africa unlock new growth potential while cutting reliance on Western partners.
For the Gulf, the motivation is clear: diversify beyond oil, secure food and energy supplies, and gain access to minerals like cobalt and copper that are vital for the green transition. African leaders, on the other hand, see these partnerships as a chance to modernise infrastructure, boost exports, and attract new technology. Côte d’Ivoire has already attracted Gulf investment in hospitality and digital services, Kenya is advancing a $1bn geothermal-powered data centre with Microsoft and Abu Dhabi’s G42, and Zambia is expanding cobalt and copper projects with Gulf backing.
While no blockbuster deals were signed in Dubai, the summit carried a strong message. Talks focused on joint ventures, public–private partnerships, and capacity building, rather than extractive, one-sided agreements. The next test will be delivery: if promises are kept, Africa could fast-track its transformation, while Gulf states cement themselves as global trade and investment bridges. If not, the region risks falling back into old dependency traps.
For now, one thing is certain – Gulf–Africa ties are no longer on the sidelines. They are shaping how both regions plan to grow, trade, and compete in the global economy of tomorrow.
