UAE and African Union Strengthen Strategic Partnership for Development
The high-level meeting held on January 6, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, saw the United Arab Emirates and the African Union Commission reaffirming their commitment to working together. Both parties’ leaders have made it clear that they would do so in conflict prevention, security, economic unification, and sustainable development in Africa.
The January meeting continued the talks that had been held in Abu Dhabi in September 2025 and aimed to move the political dialogue forward, as well as to align the AU’s priorities with its Agenda 2063. This agenda envisions a continent that is peaceful, secure, and economically developed. The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) remains central to the cooperation dialogue, as both the UAE and the African Union see trade as a cradle for peace and mutual prosperity.
Both sides’ leaders indicated their support for the UAE’s US $1 billion “AI for Development” program announced during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025. This program is expected to be a stimulator of digital transformation and innovation in the African countries, mainly in education, health care, and climate resilience. The leaders pointed out the huge potential of AI to fast-track the achievement of the national development goals.
Also, the conflict areas the debate brought up were the most significant ones in relation to peace and security. The UAE, on one side, and the African Union, on the other, since the latter’s already established connection to the former, indicated that the region of the Horn of Africa was the place where the battle needs to be resolved. The same applied to the more secure maritime thoroughfare which was, in fact, the region’s future and that of the whole world, and both being the prerequisites for its development.
As far as the humanitarian matters are concerned, the two sides demanded an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities in Sudan, calling for a permanent ceasefire and opening up the entire country to the flow of humanitarian aid without restrictions. They highlighted the necessity of executing the violators of international humanitarian law and establishing a civilian government that is people-led and mirrors the aspirations of the Sudanese.
Stability and territorial integrity of Somalia were once again supported, which implied UAE and African Union’s joint concern over the matter of the mainland tranquility and security throughout the continent. The two were also worried about the territorial disputes and the islands claimed by UAE but not recognized by the government, and they pushed for a peaceful and legally compliant solution to the issues based on international law.
Water and sanitation worked out to be another vital field of partnership. UAE and African Union have not budged in their spotlight on the forthcoming United Nations Water Conference co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, which is part of the 2026 AU theme on water resilience. The conference aims to energize the world in the area of water security and resilience through partnerships and commitments that are actionable.
A revitalized cooperation between AUC and UAE on common priorities in the areas of peace, stability, digital innovation, and sustainable development was the outcome of the meeting. The leaders declared that the solidified alliances would have a positive impact and provide long-lasting benefits for the communities affected.