By Julia Rota
In a landmark state visit to Angola this week, UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan solidified ties with the African nation through a series of transformative agreements spanning agriculture, artificial intelligence, banking, logistics, and satellite services. The visit underscores the UAE’s growing influence as Africa’s largest investor in 2024, surpassing China, and signals Angola’s ambitions to diversify its oil-dependent economy.
The agreements signed during the visit reflect a deepening partnership aimed at fostering innovation and economic growth. Key deals include:
– Space42 and Angola’s Intelligence Service: G42’s subsidiary Space42 inked a deal to provide satellite communications, drones, and border control solutions, enhancing Angola’s security and technological capabilities.
– AD Ports’ Digital Platform: UAE-based AD Ports will develop a digital platform for Angola’s national trade regulator, streamlining logistics and boosting trade efficiency.
– AMEA Power’s Desalination Plant: The UAE’s AMEA Power will advance a seawater desalination project on Angola’s Mussulo Peninsula, addressing water scarcity and supporting sustainable development.
– Trade and Economic Partnership: A trade and economic partnership agreement was signed, targeting a fivefold increase in annual bilateral trade to $10 billion by 2033. While not a full trade pact, this agreement lays the groundwork for enhanced economic collaboration.
The UAE’s strategic pivot toward Africa has positioned it as the continent’s top investor in 2024, overtaking China. This visit builds on that momentum, with the UAE leveraging its expertise in technology, logistics, and renewable energy to foster mutually beneficial partnerships. For Angola, one of sub-Saharan Africa’s fastest-growing economies, these deals align with its goal of diversifying beyond oil exports, which still dominate its economic landscape.
Despite its robust growth, Angola’s heavy reliance on oil has made economic diversification a national priority. The agreements with the UAE offer a pathway to achieve this, particularly through investments in agriculture, water infrastructure, and advanced technologies like AI and satellite systems. The desalination plant, for instance, could bolster Angola’s resilience to climate challenges, while the digital trade platform promises to enhance its integration into global markets.
The UAE-Angola partnership is poised to set a precedent for cross-continental collaboration. By combining the UAE’s technological and financial prowess with Angola’s resource wealth and growth potential, both nations aim to create a model for sustainable development. The ambitious target of $10 billion in annual trade by 2033 reflects confidence in the partnership’s ability to deliver long-term economic benefits.
As Angola continues to diversify and modernize, and the UAE strengthens its role as a global investor, this week’s agreements mark a pivotal step toward a shared vision of innovation, resilience, and prosperity.
