UAE's strategic investment in Africa's emerging sectors

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a critical trade and investment partner for African economies, focusing on key sectors such as energy, ports, agriculture, e-commerce, and trade finance. In a recent exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Walid Hareb Alfalahi, CEO of the UAE Trade Center, highlighted the strategic importance of an investment map to guide new entrants into African markets. Alfalahi underscored the maturity and expertise of UAE companies like Mazda and Emea Power in navigating global investments and emphasized their potential to excel in African markets, particularly in the energy sector. Additionally, he pointed out the significant presence of UAE operators managing over 20 ports in Africa and the growing interest in sectors like agriculture, mining, e-commerce, and trade finance. With Africa's increasing focus on industrialization and infrastructure development, the UAE is actively facilitating Emirati businesses to forge enduring partnerships with African counterparts. While the government provides essential direction and tools, Alfalahi stressed the key role of individual organizations in leveraging the opportunities presented by the continent. He expressed confidence in the lucrative prospects Africa offers, urging companies to seize the potential for fruitful investments and robust returns. Furthermore, the UAE has been proactive in signing comprehensive economic partnership agreements (CEPAs) with several African nations, fostering collaboration and trade facilitation. Moving forward, Alfalahi highlighted the importance of sustainable manufacturing and logistics strategies in Africa, drawing parallels with the UAE's economic transformation. He emphasized the need for thorough analysis and the creation of investment maps to streamline foreign investments, advocating for the establishment of dedicated investment hubs and the provision of essential information and infrastructure. Alfalahi stressed the significance of nurturing local industries as the foundation for African economic growth, suggesting that supporting indigenous businesses will lay the groundwork for sustainable development. By fostering a harmonious blend of local expertise and international partnerships, Africa can effectively position itself as a global manufacturing and logistics hub, aligning with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.