Mohammed bin Rashid meets African business, philanthropic leaders

December 06, 2025 / 9:31 PM

Sharjah 24 – WAM: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, met with a delegation of leading African business and philanthropic leaders visiting the UAE. The meeting was also attended by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance.

Delegation from across Africa

The delegation included influential private-sector and philanthropic figures from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Egypt, Sudan, and Zimbabwe. Representing sectors such as energy, digital infrastructure, logistics, agriculture, and food systems, the delegates oversee companies and foundations driving national GDP, employment, and community resilience across the continent.

Focus on partnership and development

During the meeting, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid highlighted the UAE’s commitment to partnership with Africa, noting the historical, human, and economic ties that foster innovation, strengthen energy and food security, and build resilient and sustainable economies.

Attendees and discussions

Other attendees included His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Abdulla Balalaa, and Helal Saeed Almarri. Discussions focused on expanding joint investments and cooperation in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, transport, agriculture, and food, while enhancing community and philanthropic impact.

Statements from Badr Jafar

Badr Jafar, Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy, emphasized that aligning business, government, and philanthropy strengthens resilience, expands opportunities, and promotes long-term prosperity across Africa.

UAE–Africa relations and investments

The UAE has invested over US$110 billion in Africa between 2019 and 2023, including US$70 billion in renewable energy and green infrastructure, and launched the US$1 billion ‘AI for Development’ initiative to scale AI projects in education, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Delegation programme and future collaboration

The African delegation’s visit includes meetings with UAE officials, investment institutions, and philanthropic organisations to explore co-investment opportunities, regulatory frameworks, and public-private-philanthropic partnerships, supporting the growing momentum in UAE–Africa relations.