The United Arab Emirates’ Growing Influence over Africa

While major powers like the United States and China are shifting their attention elsewhere, the UAE is filling the void in Africa. There is so much potential when it comes to Africa and the United Arab Emirates is investing heavily with new infrastructure projects and new technology. The UAE has grown more ambitious in recent years when it comes to vested interests of economic stability and security on the continent. There are some who believe that they are the only country capable of competing with China as the largest backer of new business projects. Even though the Belt and Road Initiative is still present, China has backed off due to African debt crises and domestic economic problems. It is certainly an interesting calculation that the UAE has implemented as they needed to diversify itself by using their wealth and in turn to project power over the continent. By quietly investing in port infrastructure, establishing alliances with recognised and unrecognised states, and providing securitisation for conflict zones, the UAE is establishing itself as a big player. 

Infrastructure seems to be the most important goal for the UAE to invest itself in Africa. Several countries are benefiting from port concessions that are helping to build logistical infrastructure. ISIP has found in their research that “since 2006, the Emiratis (through the Dubai-based company DP World and the Abu Dhabi-based company Abu Dhabi Ports Group) are operating 12 port infrastructures in Africa, including a port concession currently under legal dispute, an inland container depot “dry port”, and a logistics platform” and has “partnerships with foreign companies (ex. the UK-based CDC Group; the Indian Adani Ports and SEZ), and acquires local companies (ex. Imperial Logistics; J&J Group) to optimize its commercial presence on the continent.” The UAE has established ties with several countries in Africa with Abu Dhabi’s AD Ports Group, a maritime and logistics developer, by expanding its African footprint in Tanzania, Angola and the Republic of Congo. Another company from the UAE has engaged in logistical infrastructure in the unrecognised state Somaliland, where DP World invested $442mn investment in the Berbera port, which remains on track despite regional political tensions over the breakaway Somalian territory’s status. The UAE’s willingness to provide logistical infrastructure and finance projects in risk-averse areas demonstrates how African nations need real investment to access natural resources. 

Security in Africa is a wide-spread issue that ranges from low-level conflict to outright genocide. While the UAE still relies on its friendly relationship with the United States for military support, the country has positioned itself as a security partner in the Sahel-Horn region. The UAE utilises its port infrastructure to maintain geostrategic objectives since many ports are located near the Red Sea to maintain a safe corridor for maritime trade. Moving inland, the UAE has established outposts and provided military training to conflict zones while at the same time providing $70 million to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan. The Emiratis have not confirmed their support for the RAF in Sudan, the duplicity of funding both sides is an example of safeguarding their reputation while also projecting middle power. By positioning themselves in Africa as a conduit of logistical infrastructure and a custodian of security, the UAE is able to develop better relationships and advance their geopolitical ambitions.