Shared Markets, Shared Future.

Following the success of the inaugural edition of The Africa Debate – UAE in 2024, Invest Africa was delighted to bring Dubai’s leading investment summit focused on Africa back to the UAE in 2025.

As the UAE continued to position itself as a global capital for green finance, digital innovation and strategic investment, The Africa Debate – UAE 2025 brought this vision into conversation with Africa’s emerging economic future. From green hydrogen to digital infrastructure, sovereign partnerships to food security, Dubai remained at the centre of the continent’s most transformative investments.

The Africa Debate – UAE 2025 convened leading voices from government, finance and business to explore how the UAE and Africa can jointly drive inclusive, investment-led growth across critical sectors. This landmark edition of The Africa Debate – UAE took place against the backdrop of COP30 preparations, the evolution of AfCFTA, and growing capital reallocation toward the Global South.

Discussions focused on real transactions, real actors and real strategy — examining the green shoots of the next UAE-Africa opportunity, what partnership looks like on the ground, and where the next frontiers for investment, collaboration and innovation lie?

Hosted in partnership

The Africa Debate - UAE Explored

Logistics & Supply Chain Optimisation

The Energy Transition

Infrastructure & Digital Transformation

Trade & Investment

“Over the past decade, the UAE has established itself as a global hub for capital, innovation, and connectivity. This role is critical to Africa as it turns investments into something more powerful.”

Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer for the UAE, Middle East & Pakistan, Standard Chartered

“UAE has always been, and will remain a committed and trusted partner to Africa. Not just for today, but for the decades to come.”

H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot Nahyan Al Nahyan, Minister of State, United Arab Emirates

“Africa is a continent that will not only be a new centre of growth, but a cornerstone of the economic ambitions around the world.”

H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, United Arab Emirates