UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit Paves the Way for Promising Partnerships

The UAE and 53 African nations just announced a $6 billion tourism investment plan that could create 70,000 jobs across Africa. The deal came out of the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit held in Dubai, where ministers from over 20 African countries signed a joint statement mapping out new partnerships in tourism, aviation, logistics, and digital infrastructure.

UAE companies have already invested more than $110 billion in new African projects between 2019 and 2023. This puts the Emirates among the world's top four investors in Africa, right behind the US, China, and the European Union. But here's what makes this different - the UAE is now the biggest global investor in terms of new project volume in Africa.

The numbers show why this matters. Weekly flights between the UAE and Africa have grown to about 550 routes operated by both Emirati and African airlines. Tourism investments flowing into the UAE hit 61 billion dirhams ($16.6 billion) over 2023-2024, jumping from 28.8 billion dirhams in 2023 to 32.2 billion in 2024. The government expects this to reach 35.2 billion dirhams in 2025.

Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, said the new investment roadmap targets aviation, logistics, infrastructure, and digital sectors. The goal is to turn Africa's rich tourism assets - coastal resorts, beaches, heritage sites, and cultural landmarks - into sustainable business opportunities that benefit local communities.

The joint ministerial statement emphasizes something important: tourism-led growth that directly helps local communities, supports women and youth, and protects Africa's cultural and natural heritage. Ministers agreed that private investment, backed by sound government policies and effective public-private partnerships, is key to building quality infrastructure and services.

Sheikha Nasser Al Nuaimi, who will serve as Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization from 2026 to 2029, pointed out that Africa has incredible tourism potential. But turning that potential into reality requires smart strategies to boost investment in tourism infrastructure, connect destinations better, and develop local talent.

For investors, this represents a significant shift. The UAE's approach goes beyond traditional investment models by focusing on sustainable, integrated tourism development. The emphasis on job creation and community benefit suggests these aren't just resort developments, but broader economic development projects using tourism as the engine.

The timing makes sense too. As global tourism recovers and diversifies post-pandemic, Africa remains one of the least developed tourism markets despite having some of the world's most spectacular natural and cultural attractions. The UAE's expertise in building Dubai and Abu Dhabi into global tourism hubs gives it credibility as a partner for African nations looking to develop their own tourism sectors.

What's notable is the focus on connectivity. Those 550 weekly flights create the infrastructure needed for tourism to actually work. Without reliable, frequent air connections, even the best tourism destinations struggle to attract visitors. The UAE's airlines - Emirates, Etihad, and flydubai - have been expanding African routes steadily, creating the foundation for this broader tourism partnership.