AU–UAE: A Cooperation in Transition

Introduction

With an extremely young population and a great diversity of resources, Africa represents an invaluable potential, not only for itself but also in terms of bilateral and multilateral cooperation. The AU–UAE partnership is therefore a win-win relationship that can drive additional openings, not only for the African market but also in terms of developing the fundamentals of the economy and human potential. Since the 2019 memorandum of understanding, the two sides have stepped up their exchanges, with a new cycle of consultations launched in September 2025 in Abu Dhabi with the visit of His Excellency Mr Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, on 12 September. Let us quickly look at an overview of the history of relations between the two areas, then the state of bilateral cooperation between African countries and the United Arab Emirates, and finally the stakes of this new harmonised framework that seems to be taking shape.

I – A bit of history of relations between Africa and the UAE

Before their independence in 1971: the UAE maintained trade relations with Africa, notably in the pearl and spice trade, with maritime exchanges via the Indian Ocean (East Africa: Zanzibar, Somalia).

In the 1970s–1990s: the first official contacts with independent African states appeared.

In the 2000s–2010s: relations intensified, with investments in infrastructure (ports of Djibouti, Berbera, Dakar), investments in the energy sector and humanitarian aid.

From 2010: sector diversification (education, health, ICT), increased involvement in African multilateral forums and more significant humanitarian cooperation, with interventions in East Africa: in Sudan's Darfur region, in Ethiopia's Tigray region, in Somalia and in the Horn of Africa, with food and medical aid in areas affected by drought and conflict.

At present, the sectors of cooperation are even more diversified, with infrastructure and logistics (ports, airports), energy and natural resources (oil, solar), education, employment, equal opportunities (scholarships, academic partnerships), and humanitarian aid and food security.

II – A bilateral cooperation more or less advanced depending on the country

The level of relations differs from one country to another. In this respect, relations with East African countries (Kenya, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Somalia, Djibouti) are older and uneven. Here, we observe increased economic and logistical cooperation.

In West Africa (Nigeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Senegal), cooperation records financial and real estate investment, in agriculture and in energy.

North Africa, for its part, benefits from historical proximity and strengthened trade ties.

III – Towards a new harmonised framework at continental level

The visit of the AU Commission Chairperson on 12 September 2025 to Abu Dhabi marks a decisive turning point in the state of cooperation between the AU and the UAE. This series of consultations reflects a joint will to define a harmonised framework for reflection and negotiation to set up partnerships in which not only will each party find its interest, but African countries hitherto isolated from this framework of reflection will also be able to take part in this new dynamic.

• Economic and financial: More access to capital: African countries seek to attract Emirati investment to finance their development projects (infrastructure, energy, agriculture, digital). Diversified partnerships: the idea is to reduce dependence on traditional donors (Europe, United States, China) by opening up more to the Gulf area. Trade development: increasing African exports (agricultural products, raw materials, manufactured goods) to the UAE, which is a gateway to Asia.

• Energy and environment Renewable energy: benefiting from Emirati expertise and financing (Masdar, DEWA) in solar, wind and energy efficiency. Energy transition: accompanying African countries in moving away from dependence on fossil fuels, while valuing their natural resources (gas, uranium, oil). Developing climate resilience: cooperating in the fight against climate change (water security, sustainable agriculture, resource management).

• Human and social Education and training: obtaining scholarship programmes, university partnerships and support for vocational training (TVET, digital, entrepreneurship). Employment and mobility: creating opportunities for young Africans through entrepreneurship, innovation and cooperation on employment. Equal opportunities: cooperation on the inclusion of women and young people in economic development.

• Political and diplomatic Geopolitical positioning: Africa expects an equal partnership from the UAE. Institutional support: seeking allies to strengthen the African voice in international bodies (UN, COP, WTO, etc.). Security and stability: some African countries hope for Emirati support in the fight against terrorism, maritime security (Gulf of Guinea, Horn of Africa) and regional stability.

• Technological and digital Innovation and digitalisation: benefiting from Emirati know-how, for example in "smart cities", fintech, artificial intelligence and innovative administrative methods (e-government). Connectivity: developing digital infrastructure (cables, satellites, 5G) in partnership with the Emirates.

Conclusion

Although AU–UAE relations are intensifying with a normative institutional framework, bilateral relations are bound to continue because they guarantee a certain softness, a certain flexibility and a "tailor-made" aspect.

Setting up the normative framework at continental level nevertheless appears very relevant insofar as it could improve the participation of certain states in the overall process and give a certain weight to the negotiations.

The question of negotiations now arises. With many priority fields of intervention in Africa, a certain strategy will be needed to get the best out of this valuable partnership.