The United Arab Emirates and members of the diplomatic corps in South Africa have reaffirmed the importance of international cooperation on water security as preparations gather pace for the 2026 United Nations Water Conference, which will be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 December 2026. The UAE Embassy in the Republic of South Africa, in partnership with the Institute for Security Studies (ISS), convened a consultative meeting in Pretoria that brought together ambassadors, high commissioners, diplomats, representatives of international organisations and development partners to exchange views on the Conference's objectives, priorities and preparatory process. Opening the meeting, UAE Ambassador to South Africa Mahash Saeed AlHameli reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to advancing global water action, strengthening international cooperation and promoting practical and sustainable solutions to water-related challenges. AlHameli emphasised the essential role of water in supporting life, sustainable development and economic prosperity, while underscoring the need for collective international action to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 6. He also highlighted the enduring legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose vision established water conservation and sustainable resource management as national priorities. Today, under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE continues to build on this legacy through investments in innovation, desalination technologies, water efficiency and sustainable resource management. The consultation also reflected the broader strategic partnership between the UAE and South Africa, with discussions reinforcing the importance of international collaboration to address shared development challenges and advance sustainable solutions across the African continent. Highlighting the strength of the bilateral relationship, UAE …
The UAE announces US$30 million in emergency aid towards the Sudan humanitarian crisis
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has mobilised US$30 million to support civilians affected by the deteriorating situation in El Obeid, North Kordofan, Sudan. This follows a directive by the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The assistance will be administered through the UAE Aid Agency to ensure food security, safe drinking water, and shelter. The UAE stressed the need for an immediate and coordinated humanitarian response to ensure that life-saving assistance reaches those in need, particularly the most vulnerable groups. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State and Member of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, said this urgent response reflects the UAE leadership's steadfast belief that people remain at the heart of the UAE's humanitarian efforts. At this critical stage, he added, the focus must remain on protecting civilians, enabling safe humanitarian corridors, and responding to the urgent needs of displaced people and the most vulnerable groups, particularly the sick, children, the elderly and women. He urged that the UAE will continue working alongside humanitarian and international partners to alleviate suffering, strengthen humanitarian response and help prevent further deterioration on the ground. US$800 million has been provided since the outbreak of the crisis Since the Sudan crisis began, approximately US$800 million in aid has been provided towards assisting refugees, displaced communities, and persons affected by the ongoing conflict in the country. Dr. Tareq Ahmed Al Ameri, Chairman of the UAE Aid Agency, said the humanitarian assistance forms part of the UAE's pledges to support humanitarian response plans in cooperation with the United Nations and its partners, helping provide food, healthcare, shelter and support for refugees, displaced persons and the most vulnerable groups. The support will be delivered in cooperation with the United Nations and its partners, …
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UAE Provides Support to Contain Ebola Outbreak
Under the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has provided support to bolster the World Health Organisation's efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak in Africa. It was done via the UAE Aid Agency. Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, affirmed the UAE's commitment to providing urgent relief to mitigate the impact of crises and disasters as part of its humanitarian mission and global responsibility. “The UAE is determined to extend its support in combating diseases and epidemics that threaten humanity anywhere, in coordination with governments, international organisations, and relevant regional institutions,” he explained. He added: "Reports and data from the World Health Organisation have demonstrated the seriousness of the active spread of the Bundibugyo cross-border Ebola virus strain. This necessitates a doubling of international efforts to prevent its transmission among different age groups in Africa, a goal the UAE is working on in partnership with various governments and UN organisations." Sheikh Shakhbout has also noted that the UAE continues its multifaceted health support and assistance to affected communities by providing medical aid, supplying approved vaccines and necessary medications, and working with international and local organisations to provide the best possible healthcare at designated treatment centres. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, recently warned that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo remained out of control. He pointed to several challenges, including the difficulty of isolating and monitoring contacts of infected individuals and emphasised the importance of 90% isolation to halt the contagion. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. Author: Lebina Ditha from Global Advisors on behalf of MoFA. …
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South Africa’s Ministry of Trade Industry & Competition Names the UAE as a Strategic Partner for Africa
JOHANNESBURG: The UAE is a pivotal strategic partner for Africa, Lester Bouah, Chief Director for Investment Mobilisation at South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, said, highlighting that Dubai's emergence as a global centre for trade and investment is opening new growth opportunities for South African businesses. Speaking to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Dubai-South Africa Business Forum held in Johannesburg, Bouah commended the trade mission organised by Dubai Chambers to South Africa, noting that it reflects the growing momentum in bilateral economic relations and the shared commitment to strengthening partnerships. He stressed that the UAE is among South Africa's leading economic and investment partners, with bilateral relations continuing to expand in line with the shared commitment of both countries to strengthening long-term strategic cooperation. Bouah said South Africa views the UAE as a key partner in promoting trade, investment and economic cooperation, not only at the bilateral level, but also as a global gateway linking Africa with international markets. He added that economic relations between the two countries have strengthened in recent years through reciprocal visits by government officials and business leaders, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing the economic partnership. Bouah noted that trade and investment figures reflect the continued strengthening of economic relations between the two countries, with South Africa's exports to the UAE reaching approximately US$2.68 billion, reflecting expanding access to UAE markets and stronger bilateral trade flows. He added that the UAE is among the leading international investors in South Africa, with Emirati investors launching 33 investment projects in the country valued at approximately $22.96 billion, creating more than 5,500 jobs. This, he said, reflects the confidence the Emirati business community places in the South African …
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Abu Dhabi Fund for Development Monitors Progress of Key Development Projects in Africa
92% completion rate for the rehabilitation of the “Sokodé – Bassar” Road in Togo 80% completion rate for road infrastructure development in Madagascar 45% completion rate for the “Minna – Bida” Road Project in Nigeria Al Suwaidi: Embodying the Fund’s role as an extension of the UAE’s vision in creating sustainable development impact Abu Dhabi, UAE: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) continues to closely monitor implementation progress and achievements across its key development projects in the African continent, underscoring its commitment to ensuring continuity of implementation in line with approved framework, while advancing development efforts that strengthen infrastructure and enhance quality of life in partner countries. The key projects within the Fund’s implementation portfolio include the rehabilitation of the “Sokodé – Bassar” Road in the Republic of Togo, the road infrastructure development project in the Republic of Madagascar, and the “Minna – Bida” Road Project in Nigeria. Completion rates to date have reached 92% for the Togo road project, 80% in Madagascar, and 45% in Nigeria, reflecting tangible progress across implementation pathways and sustained advancements on the ground. This progress is driven by ADFD’s proactive approach to supervising and directly monitoring priority development projects. It aligns with the fund’s mandate to support beneficiary countries in achieving sustainable economic and social growth, and its vision to serve as a global model in development financing through the efficient deployment of resources and the adoption of international best practices to maximise development impact. Enhancing Project Readiness Commenting on the progress, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: “At Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, we are committed to continuously monitoring the progress across our development projects to ensure their efficient and high-quality implementation in accordance …
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The UAE’s Strengthening Relationship With Africa
At a time of heightened geopolitical tension, much of the global focus has been on fragmentation — shifting alliances, disrupted trade routes and growing regional instability. Less attention has been paid to the steady deepening of economic ties between the Gulf and Africa. Recent developments suggest that the relationship is gaining weight. In January 2026, South African president Cyril Ramaphosa travelled to Abu Dhabi at the invitation of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to attend Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week. He was accompanied by senior ministers responsible for trade, international relations, the presidency and justice — a delegation that reflected clear economic priorities. Addressing world leaders at the summit, Ramaphosa stated: “Infrastructure development in Africa is going to explode by leaps and bounds and on the back of energy generation and good financing, we will be able to see higher levels of growth. I invite you to come to the African continent and invest there. That is where the future is.” The remarks captured a broader shift in how African governments are positioning the continent within the global economy. For the UAE, the relationship has deeper roots. Speaking at the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa in February 2026, UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan stated: “Our engagement with Africa is rooted in decades of trade, maritime links, and people-to-people connections across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean corridors.” Those links are now expanding in scale. The South Africa-UAE trade reached R8.77 billion, approximately $509.6 million, in January of this year, with South Africa retaining a positive trade balance of R1.23 billion, around $71.8 million. During this period, mineral products amassed 62.7% of total imports. Conversely, iron and steel products accounted for 28.5% of total imports as reported by SARS. This alone highlights SA’s import dominance in energy and supporting materials, …
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UAE Strengthens Africa Ties at AU Summit
The United Arab Emirates has reinforced its partnerships with African nations, highlighting deepening investment, clean energy commitments, and expanded strategic cooperation at the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The UAE's participation at the AU Summit reflects its leadership's commitment to consolidating relations with African countries through partnerships built on trust, mutual respect, and shared aspirations for peace and sustainable development. “Our engagement with Africa is rooted in decades of trade, maritime links, and people-to-people connections across the Red Sea and Indian Ocean corridors. Today, that historic connectivity is reflected in a growing diplomatic footprint (19 embassies in Sub-Saharan Africa) with further expansion underway. At the same time, African diplomatic representation in the UAE continues to grow, reinforcing our country’s role as a hub for African trade, finance, and dialogue," stated the UAE’s Minister of State, His Excellency Sheikh Shakhbout bin Nahyan Al Nahyan. During the summit, Minister SHakhbout, together with African government leaders and senior officials, discussed the continent's priorities and reaffirmed the Emirati’s support for the AU’s Agenda 2063. The pledges made strengthened cooperation in trade and investment, renewable energy, food security, digital transformation, and capacity building for the continent. Between 2019 and 2023, the UAE committed more than $110 billion in investments across Africa, the highest by any single country during that period, with over $70 billion directed toward energy and renewable sectors. Under the Africa Green Investment Initiative, $4.5 billion has been mobilised for clean energy development spanning solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage, and green hydrogen. Masdar's $10 billion Africa programme and the Etihad 7 initiative aim to expand electricity access to up to 100 million people by 2035. On trade, the UAE has concluded nine Comprehensive …
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Joint Statement Between the United Arab Emirates and the African Union Commission
JOHANNESBURG, 9th January 2026 -- A high-level meeting has been held in Addis Ababa between Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), and Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of State. The meeting built upon the first round of political consultations that took place in Abu Dhabi on September 13, 2025, under the framework of the 2019 Memorandum of Understanding. Both sides reaffirmed their mutual commitment to enhancing the partnership between the UAE and the African Union. During the meeting, they reviewed the progress made since the inaugural consultations, exchanged views on priority areas for cooperation, and reiterated their dedication to maintaining ongoing political dialogue. They focused on the importance of Agenda 2063, particularly the flagship initiative “Silencing the Guns by 2030,” along with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). They emphasised the interconnectedness of peace, security, trade, and development. Given the context, they agreed to enhance cooperation in support of these strategic priorities, recognising that lasting peace is essential for economic integration, while increased trade and investment contribute to stability, resilience, and sustainable development in Africa. Both sides also welcomed the UAE's launch of the US$1 billion "AI for Development" initiative, which was announced at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025. They affirmed that this initiative has the potential to support Africa’s development priorities through innovation and digital transformation. The Chairperson and the Minister discussed the dynamics of peace and security in the Horn of Africa, emphasising the strong interdependence between stability in this region and security in the Arabian Gulf. This includes concerns related to maritime security and regional prosperity. Regarding Sudan, both parties highlighted the urgent need for an immediate, unconditional …
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UAE Launches Us$1 Billion ‘Ai for Development’ Initiative to Advance Digital Infrastructure Across Africa
JOHANNESBURG, 19th December, 2025 -- The UAE has announced the launch of the 'AI for Development' initiative, worth US$1 billion, to support and finance artificial intelligence projects in African countries. The initiative aims to bolster economic and social development across the continent by developing digital infrastructure, enhancing government services and improving productivity. The announcement was made during the speech delivered by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, at the G20 summit, where he reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to driving sustainable growth through broader international partnerships and innovative financing solutions that support development in emerging economies. The initiative will be implemented by the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX), part of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, in cooperation with the UAE Foreign Aid Agency. This partnership reflects the UAE’s role in enabling developing countries to benefit from advanced technologies and harness the power of artificial intelligence to support comprehensive development. The initiative aims to help developing countries overcome key developmental challenges by integrating artificial intelligence technologies into essential sectors such as education, agriculture and infrastructure, creating innovative solutions that accelerate growth and expand opportunities for sustainable development. The initiative also aligns with the UAE’s vision of building a knowledge-based economy and further strengthens its position as a global hub for the development and application of AI technologies for the benefit of societies. Mohamed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and Chairman of the Exports Executive Committee of ADEX, said:“ADEX’s leadership of the AI for Development initiative reflects the UAE’s belief that artificial intelligence is a real force for advancing equitable growth and sustainable development. …
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Behind the Scenes of McCann Joburg and L’oréal Paris Women’s Month Content Series
In honour of Women's Month, an all-female creative team at McCann Joburg, in partnership with L'Oréal Paris South Africa, embarked on an inspiring journey, to create a content series that delves deeper into the concept of self-worth, as viewed through the lens of South African women. The content series features five popular South African female personalities – namely Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Dr Ayanda Motau, Leanne Manas, Bonang Matheba and Natasha Joubert – who each shared their unique and personal views on self-worth. Key themes explored included the following: "Imperfectly perfect"; "The brighter I shine, the more I spark someone else's fire to be great"; "What is meant for you will accept you just the way you are"; "True worth isn't superficial"; and "As you grow older and bolder, you should trust yourself, love yourself and praise yourself". These themes were born out of numerous brainstorms and collaboration sessions between the creative team at McCann Joburg and the five incredible women, who poured their hearts into this campaign. Each theme was carefully shaped, to reflect their personal journeys of self-worth that all South African women can relate to. It’s about real experiences, shared challenges and the pursuit of authenticity, all coming together to create something truly meaningful for women across the nation. “This Women’s Month, we wanted to go beyond just celebrating women – we wanted to spark a conversation about the ever-evolving journey of self-worth,” says Ayanda Mackay, L'Oréal Paris Brand Business Leader. “This powerful content series, brought to life by the talented team at McCann Joburg, truly captures the essence of what it means to embrace your true self and find your voice as a South African woman. We believe these stories will resonate deeply and inspire women across the country on their own unique journeys of self-discovery and empowerment.” “From the start, we knew that this campaign had the potential to be something special, …