The UAES growing Economic Influence in Central and West Africa: A Strategic shift
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rapidly solidifying its position as a key economic partner across Central and West Africa, moving beyond traditional aid models towards strategic investments and long-term partnerships. This shift is characterized by a focus on infrastructure development, renewable energy, critical mineral resources, and a clear alignment with the development priorities of host nations. This analysis details the UAE’s expanding engagement, focusing on key countries like Chad and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and outlines the implications for regional economic trajectories.
Chad: A focal Point for Emirati Investment and Development
Since President Mahamat Idriss Deby assumed office in 2021, chad has emerged as a central hub for Emirati engagement. This is evidenced by meaningful financial commitments, including a $500 million loan approved by the abu Dhabi Fund for Development in October 2024, building upon a previous $200 million mobilization in 2023. President Deby’s April visit to Abu Dhabi further cemented this relationship, paving the way for increased support for Chad’s national development strategy, “Tchad connexion 2030,” which aims to improve electricity access by 2030 and increase the renewable share to 50 percent of the energy mix.
Energy security is a cornerstone of this cooperation. AMEA Power is actively developing two substantial solar projects with a combined potential generation capacity of 180 MW (36 MW and 120 MW respectively). This commitment to renewable energy aligns with both Chad’s national goals and the UAE’s broader sustainability initiatives. further bolstering this partnership, the UAE minister of Foreign Trade, during a visit to N’Djamena in August 2025, reiterated the Emirates’ commitment to investing in key sectors including agriculture, energy, finance, logistics, transport, and tourism.
A pivotal moment arrived with the UAE-Chad Forum held in Abu Dhabi in November 2025. This high-profile event brought together heads of state from Chad,Niger (President Abdourahamane Tiani),and Togo (President Faure Gnassingbé),alongside prominent Emirati officials,representatives from the World Bank,and other major development finance institutions. The forum successfully translated years of political dialog into tangible outcomes, resulting in over forty Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) spanning diverse sectors – agriculture, livestock, renewable energy, mining, digital infrastructure, transport corridors, urban development, and essential public services.
the forum generated an impressive $20.5 billion in investment commitments, demonstrating strong confidence in Chad’s economic potential and a strategic alignment with the objectives of “Tchad Connexion 2030.” Ongoing discussions throughout 2025 have broadened the scope of cooperation to include telecommunications, tourism, financial services, and crucial social infrastructure projects in healthcare and education, all supported by Emirati entities. This evolving partnership is characterized by a structured architecture built on sustained political engagement and a convergence of development priorities.
Expanding Horizons: The DRC and the Critical Minerals Sector
While Chad represents a broad-based partnership, Emirati engagement in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is currently focused on securing access to critical minerals vital for global supply chains. In July 2023, Primera Group finalized a $1.9 billion agreement with Sakima,the state-owned company,to develop four deposits in South Kivu and Maniema. This agreement includes a 25-year export arrangement for artisanal ores including tantalum,tungsten,coltan,and tin – all essential components in electronics and renewable energy technologies.
Further solidifying its position in the DRC’s mining sector, International Resources Holding acquired a majority stake in Alphamin Resources in 2024, gaining control of the Bisie mining complex. This strategic acquisition underscores the UAE’s commitment to securing a reliable supply of these crucial resources.
A Regional Trend: Strategic Partnerships for sustainable Growth
these developments in Chad and the DRC are indicative of a broader trend across Francophone Africa. The UAE is actively forging economic partnerships based on political dialogue, targeted investments, and expanding private sector initiatives. From renewable energy projects in Côte d’Ivoire and Togo to significant infrastructure and mining ventures in Senegal, the UAE is aligning its initiatives with national priorities focused on modernization, diversification, and long-term economic resilience.
Implications and Future Outlook
The UAE’s growing economic influence in Central and West Africa presents both opportunities and challenges.for recipient nations, these investments offer crucial capital for infrastructure development, diversification of economies, and the advancement of key sectors. However, it is crucial that these partnerships are structured to ensure clarity, sustainability, and equitable benefit-sharing.
As regional strategies continue to evolve, the scope and depth
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