UAE Expands Economic Footprint in Central Africa Amid Shifting Global Alliances
Central Africa is witnessing a significant shift in its economic partnerships as the United Arab Emirates (UAE) emerges as a key player in the region. Traditionally reliant on long-standing allies like France, the United States, China, and the European Union, members of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC) are increasingly diversifying their external engagements. This strategic pivot reflects broader global changes, with emerging powers like the UAE carving out a niche in Africa’s economic and infrastructure development.
Diplomatic and Financial Commitments Signal Warming Ties
Central African leaders are turning their attention toward Abu Dhabi, marking a departure from their historical focus on Western and Asian capitals. Over the past few years, high-level visits by presidents such as Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic, Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno of Chad, Brice Oligui Nguema of Gabon, and Denis Sassou Nguesso of the Republic of the Congo have underscored this diplomatic shift. These exchanges have been complemented by Emirati business delegations exploring opportunities in Chad and Gabon.
In a notable move, the UAE pledged $6.2 billion in November 2025 to support Chad’s national development strategy. This financial commitment signals a transition from diplomatic dialogue to tangible economic cooperation, highlighting the UAE’s growing interest in the region.
Logistics and Infrastructure: A Core Focus
The UAE’s engagement in Central Africa has largely centered on logistics and transport infrastructure—critical sectors that have long constrained regional trade. In 2023, AD Ports Group secured a 30-year concession to manage the port of Pointe-Noire in the Republic of the Congo, committing $500 million to the project. This port serves as a vital maritime gateway for Central Africa.
Further expansion followed in February 2026, when AD Ports Group acquired rights to operate the dry bulk terminal at Cameroon’s Douala Autonomous Port, investing approximately €73.4 million. Additionally, Emirati entities have expressed interest in developing Gabon’s planned deep-sea port at Mayumba, signaling a long-term commitment to enhancing regional connectivity.
Transport projects are also gaining traction. In May 2025, Etihad Rail signed a memorandum of understanding with Chad’s National Railway Office to update feasibility studies for an 800-kilometer railway linking N’Djamena to Ngaoundéré in Cameroon. If completed, this rail link would streamline Chad’s access to the port of Douala, boosting trade efficiency.
Energy Investments Drive Development
Energy cooperation has become another pillar of UAE-CEMAC relations. In November 2025, Global South Utilities Power announced plans to develop a 180-MW solar power plant in Chad, with an estimated investment of $350 million. This project is part of a broader package that includes support for a thermal power plant in N’Djamena and smaller solar installations led by the local firm Tchadelec.
Similar initiatives are underway in neighboring countries. Construction began in August 2025 on a 60-MW solar project near Bangui in the Central African Republic. In the Republic of the Congo, AMEA Power signed a memorandum of understanding in 2024 to develop a 100-MW solar plant, aligning with national goals to increase electricity generation to 1,500 MW by 2030. Discussions have also begun in Gabon to revive the stalled Oyem solar plant project.
Trade Frameworks Raise Hopes—and Questions
Trade agreements are another focal point of UAE-CEMAC collaboration. Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements have been discussed or signed with Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, and Chad. While these frameworks aim to enhance commercial exchange, skepticism remains about their potential impact. Critics point to persistent trade deficits in African economies despite previous tariff-free initiatives with major partners, raising concerns about equitable benefits.
Political Instability: A Double-Edged Sword
Despite growing Emirati investments, CEMAC remains one of Africa’s most politically fragile regions. Recent military coups in Chad and Gabon, ongoing conflict in the Central African Republic, and unclear succession plans in countries like Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea pose risks to long-term investment stability.
Yet the UAE’s willingness to engage in these volatile environments sets it apart from Gulf counterparts like Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which often prioritize more stable markets. This approach suggests a distinctive strategy, with Emirati actors demonstrating greater flexibility in navigating complex political landscapes.
A Complementary Partner, Not a Replacement
While the UAE’s presence in Central Africa is expanding, its influence remains modest compared to traditional partners. France, China, and the United States continue to dominate the region’s economic and diplomatic landscape. In this context, the UAE appears less as a transformative force and more as an additional player in an increasingly diversified network of external partners.
The long-term impact of this relationship remains uncertain. Will the UAE’s investments reshape Central Africa’s development trajectory, or will they simply reinforce existing economic patterns? For now, Abu Dhabi’s engagement offers new opportunities for growth and connectivity, even as questions linger about sustainability and equity.
— Reported by Nexio News
