Author: Seade Caesar

In a landmark diplomatic engagement aimed at deepening bilateral relations, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has proposed a comprehensive strategic development partnership with Ghana, signaling a new chapter in cooperation between the two nations. The proposal follows a high- level two-day official visit by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to the UAE, during which both parties explored avenues for mutual growth and sustainable development. This initiative highlights the UAE’s growing role as a strategic partner in Africa, with Ghana positioned as a key gateway to West Africa. The partnership aims to advance shared priorities in climate resilience,…

On 11-12 September 2025, AU Commission Chairperson H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf was warmly received at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi by H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs. Their high-level consultations reaffirmed the spirit of the AU-UAE partnership and built directly on an existing Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation across economic development, trade, education, health, peace & security, renewable energy, and digitalization. The two leaders agreed to create a working group to maintain regular dialogue and drive implementation of priority areas, and the UAE reiterated strong support for…

In recent years, the relationship between the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states comprising the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and African nations has evolved into a robust partnership characterized by substantial investments and strategic collaborations. This burgeoning alliance is often hailed as a “new heaven”; for both regions, fostering economic growth, infrastructure development, and mutual prosperity. A Surge in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Over the past decade, GCC countries have collectively invested over $100 billion in Africa, marking a significant shift in the continent’s investment landscape. The UAE has emerged as a leading investor, committing…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly redefining the architecture of modern governance, transforming how governments plan, deliver services, and engage with citizens. Nowhere is this transformation more evident than in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has strategically positioned AI at the core of its national vision and development agenda. By embedding AI into public sector systems from transportation and healthcare to education and judicial services the UAE is setting a precedent for the world in forward-looking governance. For African nations, many of which face chronic challenges in institutional capacity, service delivery, and policy implementation, the UAE’s model presents an opportunity…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has once again positioned itself as a global trailblazer, this time by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its national school curriculum from kindergarten to Grade 12. This bold initiative, starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, is not just about teaching tech it’s about shaping a future where students are creators, not just consumers, of AI-driven solutions. For Africa, a continent brimming with untapped potential and youthful energy, the UAE’s model offers a transformative blueprint for modernizing education systems and preparing future generations for the digital economy. Why the UAE’s AI Curriculum is Revolutionary The UAE’s…

In late August 2025, Qatar-linked Al Mansour Holdings embarked on a whirlwind tour of southern and central Africa, signing letters of intent and headline MoUs that add up to $103 billion across six countries: the DR Congo, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Burundi. Oxford Economics Africa flagged the scale of these pledges, and subsequent government and wire-service statements in each country help pin down the where, when, and how. While much remains at the intent stage, the pattern is clear: Doha is staking out a long-term footprint in African energy, critical minerals, food systems, and logistics an arena where Gulf…

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), comprising Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, has significantly increased its engagement with Africa in recent years. This expansion is driven by economic diversification, strategic investments, and a growing interest in Africa’s natural resources, infrastructure, and markets. As GCC nations seek to reduce their dependence on oil, Africa presents new opportunities for trade, investment, and geopolitical influence. GCC-Africa Trade Relations Trade between GCC countries and Africa has grown substantially, with a focus on energy, food security, and manufacturing. Key aspects of this relationship include: Energy Trade: The GCC-Africa energy…

At a time when global partnerships are being redefined, the UAE-Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025, held in Dubai on 27 October 2025, marked a major milestone in the expanding relationship between the United Arab Emirates and the African continent. Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the event reaffirmed the UAE’s strong commitment to deepening and expanding economic ties with African nations through sustainable investment and cross-sector collaboration. Hosted at the Museum of the Future and organized by the Ministry of Economy in collaboration with the Dubai…

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) maintains its status as a significant global innovation hub through a combination of national strategies, dedicated innovation districts, and specific initiatives in key sectors like finance and technology.  Africa, with its vast human capital and untapped market potential, cannot afford to lag behind. Ghana, in particular, stands at a critical juncture: its partnership with the UAE to establish Africa’s largest Innovation and Technology Hub is a historic opportunity to accelerate economic diversification, digital inclusion, and youth employment. The UAE as a Model Innovation Hub – What UAE is Doing Right The UAE’s rapid transformation into…

In 2025, Qatar stands out not just as a wealthy Gulf nation but as a strategic player in global trade through its unique “relationship economy”. Unlike purely transactional markets, Qatar emphasizes long-term partnerships, cultural alignment, and mutual trust in its trade and investment engagements. For African governments looking to attract sustainable investment and expand bilateral trade, understanding this relational approach is critical. With Qatar deepening its economic footprint across Africa from energy and agriculture to finance and infrastructure the continent has a timely opportunity to move beyond one-off deals. Embracing Qatar’s model can lead to deeper, more impactful economic cooperation…