BY ODHIAMBO JOSEPH | 5484 MEDIA | NAIROBI, KENYA
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- UAE pledges closer cooperation with the African Union on peace, economic integration and technology
- USD 1bn AI initiative expected to accelerate Africa’s digital future
- Joint call issued for immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access in Sudan
The African Union and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to deepen cooperation on peace, trade and digital transformation following high-level talks in Addis Ababa on Tuesday.
The meeting brought together African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, the UAE Minister of State, in the latest round of political consultations between the two sides.
Focus on Peace and Integration
Both delegations said closer coordination was essential to realising the AU’s long-term Agenda 2063 vision, which includes creating a stable, integrated and prosperous continent.
The AU and UAE highlighted the flagship goal of “Silencing the Guns by 2030”, calling peace and security the foundation of economic progress. The talks also underscored the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to unlock cross-border commerce and strengthen Africa’s global negotiating power.
Officials from both sides agreed that economic integration, greater investment and job creation can bolster stability across the continent.
AI Investment Seen as a Game-Changer
A major new development is the UAE’s launch of a USD 1 billion “AI for Development” initiative, announced at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg late last year.
The fund is designed to help African countries access emerging technologies, train young people in digital skills and support startups building innovation-driven solutions. The initiative is expected to play a crucial role in enabling African economies to compete in a fast-automating global market.
Youssouf and Sheikh Shakhboot described digital transformation as a shared priority for both the Gulf nation and African governments.
Sudan Crisis Takes Centre Stage
Much of the discussion focused on the ongoing conflict in Sudan, where fighting between rival military factions has displaced millions of civilians and strained humanitarian agencies.
The AU and UAE jointly called for:
- An immediate and unconditional humanitarian truce
- A permanent ceasefire
- Unhindered access for relief agencies
- A civilian-led transition to democracy
- Accountability for abuses against civilians
Both sides expressed strong support for Sudan’s territorial integrity and political unity, saying the crisis required urgent regional and international action.
Regional Security and Maritime Stability
The talks also examined political developments in Somalia and instability in the wider Horn of Africa — a region that directly affects trade and maritime security in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.
The two sides reaffirmed support for Somalia’s government and criticised Iran’s control of three Gulf islands claimed by the UAE, calling for the dispute to be resolved peacefully under international law or through the International Court of Justice.
Water, Climate and the Future
With water scarcity emerging as a growing threat across Africa, the AU and UAE highlighted the upcoming UN Water Conference, set to be co-hosted by Senegal and the UAE later this year.
Both agreed to pursue practical outcomes for African nations facing drought, flooding and climate-driven water shortages, with programmes such as the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative expected to support the effort.
Strengthening Ties
The AU said the talks signalled a deeper strategic partnership between Africa and the Gulf, particularly in areas of peacekeeping, governance, trade and emerging technologies.
Officials from both sides pledged to maintain momentum ahead of future consultations and continue aligning investment with Africa’s development goals.
