The International Institute for Strategic Studies recently confirmed that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is intensifying its economic relations with Angola through significant investments in key sectors such as energy, technology, and maritime logistics.
According to the Institute, the UAE is exploring opportunities in food security through partnerships between the two countries.
The UAE views Angola as a growing consumer market and notes that several leading Emirati companies are already investing in critical sectors of the Angolan economy. These companies include “Masdar,” “DB World,” “Abu Dhabi Ports Group,” “Edge Group,” and “G42.”
Additionally, the UAE continues to import diamonds from Angola and plans to transform the country into a food supplier in the coming years.
This move is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to become a hub connecting Africa, the Middle East, and Asia.
The Institute’s report indicates that the UAE’s total direct investment in Africa, between 2012 and 2022, was $59.4 billion, making it the third largest source of investment on the continent, after China and the United States.
The UAE’s interest in Africa is driven by the growth prospects of emerging economies such as Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania, which have significant potential as food suppliers and energy consumers.
The UAE seeks to benefit from the rapid transformation of these countries by positioning itself as a link between Africa and Asia, channeling both capital and goods, and increasing access to essential food and mineral supplies.
Since 2021, economic relations between the UAE and Angola have strengthened significantly. Angola, with a rapidly growing population and a recovering economy, is now the sixth largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa.
The country has great agricultural potential, with fertile soils and a suitable climate, which can help the UAE diversify its food imports.
Angola is also one of the largest diamond exporters in the world, with more than two-thirds of its production currently sold to the UAE.
In addition to diamonds, Angola has vast unexplored areas with large reserves of base and rare metals such as copper, cobalt, manganese, and lithium, essential to the UAE’s ambitions in technology and renewable energy.
Regional infrastructure projects passing through Angola can maximize economic opportunities for the UAE.
Maritime cooperation between the two countries is witnessing remarkable growth. In February 2023, the Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding Company, affiliated with the Emirati EDGE group, won a contract worth one billion dollars in a cooperation project extending to port operations.
UAE port management companies now operate two of the most important terminals in Luanda, Angola’s main seaport and an important regional hub.
Economic relations between the United Arab Emirates and Angola are growing significantly, with investments in key sectors and mutual development opportunities.
This strategic partnership promises to benefit both countries, boosting economic growth and regional cooperation.
