Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, the UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, stated that the United Arab Emirates currently stands as the largest developmental partner and the foremost source of foreign direct investment in Africa. He highlighted that the country has invested over $110 billion across various African nations from 2019 to 2024.
In his opening speech at the International Forum for Advancing the African Economy (FOGECA) in Dubai, he noted the remarkable progress the UAE has made in establishing trade partnerships with numerous countries on the continent.
He emphasized that today’s forum is grounded in our strong relationship and our shared goal of deepening collaboration and partnership with the private sector.
He pointed out that Senegal serves as a strong example of outstanding economic and commercial relations, reaffirming the UAE’s commitment to enhancing its economic ties with various African nations.
Senegal
The Minister of Foreign Trade remarked: Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to visit Senegal, where we met with President Macky Sall and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, along with several ministers and senior officials, underscoring the robust bilateral relations between our countries.
He added that during the visit, 13 Memoranda of Understanding were signed, covering a range of sectors including energy, logistics, mining, industrial development, digital technologies, construction, and healthcare.
He noted that non-oil trade between the UAE and Senegal reached $933 million in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a 21% year-on-year increase and a rise of approximately 32.9% compared to the same period in 2024, with non-oil trade continuing to accelerate.
Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi stated: These figures represent more than just numbers; they illustrate the value we create when we collaborate on building comprehensive economic partnership agreements that open markets, reduce trade barriers, and connect African enterprises with over a quarter of the world’s population. Through such economic forums,
we can align African innovation with global capital and reconcile African resources with international demand, fostering shared prosperity. Together, we can establish economic bridges that span continents and generations.
Economic Standing
Khalid Al Ali, regional director for the Middle East and Africa at Dubai Chambers, remarked that hosting the International Forum for Advancing the African Economy (FOGECA) in the UAE showcases the country’s economic stature within the African continent.
He pointed out that the UAE maintains strong economic and trade relations with diverse African nations.
He added that Dubai acts as the gateway for African markets to the global arena, given the nation’s commitment to supporting developmental efforts and enhancing economic and trade relationships with African countries.
He noted the presence of Emirati companies operating in Africa across multiple sectors, notably in energy, renewable energy, agriculture, transportation, and logistics, as well as thousands of African companies operating within the UAE.
Natural Partner
Amadou Dyan, head of the Economic Operators Forum for Advancing the African Economy (FOGECA), emphasized that the UAE represents a natural partner with a forward-thinking vision for the African continent.
He highlighted the UAE’s realism, economic diversity, and openness to the world. He further stated that the International Forum for Advancing the African Economy (FOGECA) provides a unique opportunity for dialogue among the private sector.
This forum aims to identify joint projects, connect African project developers with Emirati investment funds, and link innovative startups to free zones in the UAE and transformative African cities with high-performance logistics centers.
Thani Al Zeyoudi
The UAE is the largest developmental partner and the primary source of foreign direct investment on the African continent.
Comprehensive economic partnership agreements open markets and reduce trade barriers.