Programme Snapshot

09:00     Opening Remarks

09:15     Keynote Address: Senior UAE Government Official

09:30     Keynote Address: African Head of State

10:00     Spotlight: The UAE’s $4.5 Billion Climate Commitment to Africa

Last year, the United Arab Emirates made a bold commitment of $4.5 billion to finance clean energy projects across Africa – a significant step towards closing the continent’s climate finance gap. The initiative promised to focus on countries with strong transition strategies and robust regulatory frameworks, aiming to develop 15 GW of clean power by 2030.

As we mark the first anniversary of this commitment, this session will delve into investments mobilised so far, challenges encountered, and successes achieved in financing Africa's green future.

10:30     Networking Break           

11:00     Spotlight: Trends and Opportunities in UAE-Africa Trade

In this session, the CEO of a leading global risk consultancy will deliver a comprehensive overview of the UAE and broader Gulf-Africa trade and investment relationship. The presentation will highlight key trends and emerging opportunities that investors and corporates should prioritise in 2024 and beyond.

11:15     Debate: Financing Africa’s Infrastructure Future

Africa’s infrastructure deficit has long been a significant barrier to sustainable economic growth, stifling industrial development, restricting the flow of goods and services, and deterring foreign investment. As the continent’s economies continue to expand, the demand for modern, efficient infrastructure—particularly in logistics—has never been more pressing. However, addressing this challenge goes beyond merely securing funding; it requires innovative financial strategies, strategic alliances, and the proactive engagement of global investors.

The UAE has positioned itself as a key player in this space, making substantial investments in critical transportation and logistics infrastructure across Africa. This session will delve into how Emirati and Gulf investors are contributing to bridging Africa’s infrastructure financing gap. Discussions will focus on innovative financing mechanisms such as infrastructure bonds and blended finance, as well as effective strategies for mitigating the financial risks associated with infrastructure projects in Africa.

12:00     Spotlight: Investing in the DRC’s Maritime Infrastructure

12:30     Networking Lunch

13:30 Spotlight: The UK-UAE-Africa Trade Triad    

14:00 Debate: Tech and Agribusiness in the UAE-Africa Trade Corridor

The UAE has long relied on imports to meet its food needs, with around 90% of its supply sourced from abroad. As the global food landscape faces mounting challenges—from climate change to geopolitical unrest—the UAE is intensifying its efforts to secure and sustain its food supply, with Africa set to play a pivotal role. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and making strategic investments, the Emirates is transitioning from a major food importer to a key player in the global food system.

In this session, speakers will explore the dynamic interplay of technology, innovation, and agribusiness within the UAE-Africa trade corridor. Discussions will focus on the role of agritech in bolstering food security, highlighting innovations such as AI-driven agriculture, vertical farming, and sustainable water management that are revolutionising food production in both the Gulf and Africa. The panel will also examine the UAE and wider Gulf investments in Africa’s agrifood sector, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie at the intersection of technology and agribusiness.

14:45     Investor Spotlight

15:15     Networking Break

15:45     Spotlight: Driving Africa's Renewable Energy Future

16:15 Debate: Sustainable Finance Strategies in the UAE-Africa Corridor

In recent years, the UAE has solidified its position as a global leader in sustainable finance. Its banking sector has been pivotal in financing everything from renewable energy to green buildings and developing new sustainable finance products, such as green loans and sustainability-linked bonds, to catalyse sustainable development across sectors. This commitment to sustainability extends to UAE-Africa commercial relations, exemplified by Abu Dhabi's recent pledge to purchase $450 million in African carbon credits by 2030. In this session, speakers will explore strategies for aligning sustainable finance between the UAE and African partners to maximise impact, as well as effective financial instruments for driving sustainable development and address key obstacles that hinder scaling sustainable finance initiatives and mobilising capital within the UAE-Africa corridor.

17:00 Networking Reception