Strengthening UAE-Africa Ties: A High-Profile Delegation’s Visit

A Stellar Assembly of African Business Leaders

Recently, a distinguished delegation comprising influential African business leaders, including Aliko Dangote, Tony Elumelu, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Mo Ibrahim, and others, embarked on a significant visit to the UAE. This delegation, representing nations from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Egypt, Sudan, and Zimbabwe, aimed to bolster the partnership between the UAE and Africa, focusing on key sectors such as energy, agriculture, digital infrastructure, and sustainable development.

Key Discussions and Engagements

Over the course of two days, the delegation engaged in extensive talks with various leaders from the UAE. This included a meeting with His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, alongside His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. These discussions highlighted mutual interests and envisioned pathways for collaboration in vital sectors.

Additionally, the delegation convened a working lunch with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Their discussions aimed to establish new frameworks for enhancing the UAE-Africa partnership, emphasizing collaboration that goes beyond mere diplomacy.

Engaging with Global Influencers

The delegation’s agenda also included strategic discussions with Bill Gates focused on development initiatives. In addition, roundtable meetings were held with UAE ambassadors and diplomats at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These interactions not only underscored the significance of cross-regional cooperation but also explored potential frameworks that could drive impactful changes in the African landscape.

His Excellency Badr Jafar, the UAE Special Envoy for Business and Philanthropy, played a central role in the delegation’s engagement. He hosted a private dinner featuring UAE philanthropists and African business leaders, where conversations centered on crafting actionable frameworks for collaboration across regions.

Reflecting on the Experience

Elizabeth Jack-Rich, a prominent figure within the delegation, expressed her thoughts on this remarkable gathering. She remarked on the honor of standing among some of Africa’s most influential leaders, including Aliko Dangote and Mo Ibrahim. In her dialogue with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, she highlighted the potential for a transformative chapter in the UAE-Africa engagement narrative, emphasizing the possibilities for shared prosperity.

Jack-Rich expressed her gratitude towards H.E. Badr Jafar for the significant role he played in bringing the delegation together, bolstered by officials from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other key ministries.

A Commitment to International Partnerships

This delegation visit reflects a robust momentum in UAE investments across Africa. Since 2019, the UAE has invested over $110 billion on the continent, with more than $70 billion dedicated to renewable energy and green infrastructure projects. The UAE has further committed to a $1 billion initiative titled “AI for Development,” designed to support artificial intelligence projects targeted at enhancing education, agriculture, and infrastructure in Africa.

Jack-Rich’s participation was also following her session at the Elevate Africa 2025 conference held in Gaborone, Botswana. There, she spoke on “Sustainable Infrastructure for Economic Transformation.” She emphasized the need for African nations to construct their infrastructure from a place of confidence while meeting global standards.

Looking Ahead with Confidence

In her remarks at the Elevate Africa conference, Jack-Rich asserted: “Africa is ready, and we must continue to build like it.” This statement encapsulates her commitment to fostering African-led development, actively supported by strategic international partnerships.

About Elizabeth Jack-Rich

Elizabeth Jack-Rich is the CEO of ELIN Group and a respected voice in infrastructure development within Africa. Her advocacy encompasses sustainable economic transformation and active participation in continental forums focused on infrastructure and economic mobility. Notably, in June 2025, ELIN Air, a branch of her company, made history as the first African aviation entity to complete a landmark maintenance check on a Bombardier Challenger CL604 aircraft, signaling a new era of technical excellence in African aviation.

Through initiatives like these, Jack-Rich highlights Nigeria’s growing capacity to meet global aviation standards while paving the way for the continent’s future economic success.