UAE, Invest Africa to Host 2026 Africa Debate in Dubai

UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, said the country remains committed to expanding its economic relationships across Africa through trade, investment and shared development goals.

Invest Africa and the Government of the United Arab Emirates have announced a partnership for the 2026 edition of the Africa Debate conference, a major gathering focused on strengthening trade, investment and economic cooperation between Africa and the UAE.

The event will take place in Dubai on 22 October 2026 in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Trade. Under the theme "From Vision to Impact: Partnerships for a New Era," the conference will bring together senior government officials, investors, financial institutions and business leaders to explore opportunities shaping the future of Africa-UAE relations.

Focus Shifts From Investment to Measurable Impact

The conference comes at a time when economic ties between the UAE and African countries continue to grow rapidly. With UAE investments in Africa exceeding $118 billion between 2020 and 2024, attention is increasingly turning toward how these investments can deliver lasting economic and social benefits. Discussions at the forum will examine how policy frameworks, strategic partnerships and capital flows are driving progress across key sectors. These include trade corridors, energy infrastructure, agriculture, digital transformation and artificial intelligence. Participants will also assess challenges that continue to affect growth, while identifying practical solutions that can accelerate development across the continent.

UAE Sees Stronger Economic Partnerships With Africa

UAE Minister of Foreign Trade, Dr Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, said the country remains committed to expanding its economic relationships across Africa through trade, investment and shared development goals.

He noted that the Africa Debate-UAE conference provides an important platform for governments, investors and private sector leaders to strengthen collaboration and support sustainable growth in sectors such as infrastructure, energy, food systems and advanced technology.

According to Al Zeyoudi, growing trade and investment flows between the UAE and African markets are creating new opportunities to strengthen connectivity and support projects that contribute to long-term prosperity.

Leaders to Shape the Future of the UAE-Africa Corridor

Karen Taylor, Chair of Invest Africa, said the organisation is proud to partner with the UAE Government once again for the third edition of the Africa Debate-UAE conference. She highlighted that the relationship between the UAE and Africa is entering a new phase where success will be measured not only by the amount of capital invested but also by the impact created on the ground.

The event is expected to showcase how strategic investments can generate meaningful outcomes for businesses, communities and economies in both regions. Organisers believe the conference will play an important role in shaping the next chapter of the UAE-Africa partnership, focusing on shared value, sustainable growth and long-term collaboration that delivers measurable results across multiple sectors.