UAE and African Union Strengthen Ties in First Political Consultations

Abu Dhabi, September 12, 2025 – The United Arab Emirates and the African Union Commission conducted the first round of political consultations in Abu Dhabi on Friday, marking a significant step in strengthening their strategic partnership. This engagement builds on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2019 and follows the more recent MOU on health partnerships signed in July 2025.

The consultations focused on intensifying cooperation, ensuring regular dialogue, and achieving tangible outcomes through technical coordination on issues of shared interest. Both sides emphasized their commitment to holding ongoing political consultations to monitor progress and reinforce collaboration.

A key topic of discussion was regional stability. In light of recent developments, both the UAE and the African Union expressed solidarity with Qatar following attacks by Israel, describing these actions as a direct threat to regional and international peace and security. Additionally, the Chairperson of the AU Commission reaffirmed the Union’s support for the UAE’s sovereignty over the strategically significant islands of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb, and Abu Musa.

The consultations also highlighted the deep historical, social, and political ties between the UAE and the African continent. Delegates emphasized that these ties are strengthened by frequent high-level exchanges. Notably, the recent visit of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Angola was cited as a landmark event. The visit was particularly significant given Angola’s current role as chair of the African Union and its ongoing efforts in mediating peace initiatives across the continent.

Economic cooperation was a central focus of the discussions. The UAE, recognized as the leading investor in Africa, has prioritized investments in infrastructure, energy, and sustainable growth projects. Delegates discussed strategies to align UAE investments with African development priorities, including digitalization, electricity expansion, youth empowerment, and women’s economic participation. Both parties highlighted the importance of promoting shared development, creating job opportunities, and supporting sustainable initiatives in line with the continent’s long-term goals.

Security and stability in various regions of Africa were also discussed at length. The UAE and AU examined developments in the Horn of Africa, Sudan, Central Africa, and the Sahel, stressing the need for coordinated efforts to enhance regional peace. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to joint initiatives that strengthen political, economic, and social stability across the continent.

Another point of discussion was the UAE’s contributions to the United Nations Security Council during its 2022–2023 membership. Delegates underscored the UAE’s active role in advancing African issues at the global level and in coordinating with the three African member states on the Council, known as the A3, to promote the continent’s interests on key international matters.

The consultations concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of the importance of advancing the UAE–AU partnership in ways that foster sustainable development, peace, and security across Africa. Both parties emphasized the continued necessity of strengthening institutional and technical cooperation, ensuring that joint programs achieve measurable and long-lasting impact.

Following the main consultations, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy and AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf held separate meetings to explore additional avenues for collaboration. Discussions included boosting investment flows from the UAE into Africa, expanding renewable energy projects, and promoting youth and women’s empowerment initiatives. Both sides recognized the pivotal role such initiatives play in supporting inclusive and sustainable development across African nations.

The consultations reflected a shared commitment to deepening political, economic, and social ties between the UAE and Africa. Delegates agreed to implement mechanisms for regular dialogue, monitoring the progress of joint initiatives, and identifying areas where enhanced cooperation could yield the greatest benefits.

On the diplomatic front, the consultations also offered an opportunity to discuss broader regional and international developments. Both the UAE and AU emphasized their readiness to work collectively to address emerging security challenges, economic disruptions, and humanitarian concerns. Their cooperation aims to ensure that Africa and the Middle East benefit from coordinated policies that advance peace, stability, and prosperity.

The UAE’s engagement with the African Union is part of a broader strategic vision to strengthen international partnerships, expand trade and investment, and foster diplomatic relations that contribute to sustainable development. By aligning its resources with Africa’s priorities, the UAE seeks to create long-term impact in infrastructure, energy, digital technologies, and social empowerment programs.

Delegates also discussed the importance of capacity-building programs to support governance, institutional strengthening, and human capital development in African nations. Collaborative projects aimed at enhancing education, health systems, and technical expertise were highlighted as key areas where the UAE’s support can generate measurable results.

In addition to political and economic discussions, the consultations explored the potential for cultural and social cooperation. Both sides recognized that fostering people-to-people ties, educational exchanges, and knowledge-sharing initiatives would further strengthen the bilateral relationship. Such initiatives are expected to promote mutual understanding, collaboration, and long-term strategic alignment between the UAE and African countries.

The UAE–AU consultations are expected to pave the way for regular political dialogue at multiple levels, ensuring that both parties remain engaged in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities. By institutionalizing these consultations, the UAE and AU aim to create a framework for sustained cooperation, strategic alignment, and measurable outcomes across political, economic, social, and security domains.

The first round of consultations represents a milestone in the UAE–AU partnership. It demonstrates both parties’ commitment to collaborative approaches, shared responsibility, and collective efforts to address regional and global challenges. The emphasis on joint action, high-level coordination, and technical collaboration underscores the strategic importance of the partnership for Africa and the broader international community.

Looking ahead, both the UAE and African Union have agreed to maintain regular consultations, track progress on joint initiatives, and explore additional areas for collaboration in investment, energy, social development, and governance. The outcomes of these consultations are expected to have a lasting impact on regional stability, sustainable development, and the UAE’s continued role as a key partner in Africa’s growth story.

In conclusion, the first round of political consultations between the UAE and African Union reflects a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to partnership. By strengthening political dialogue, expanding economic cooperation, and promoting social development initiatives, both sides are laying the foundation for a robust and strategic relationship that benefits Africa, the UAE, and the international community.