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UAE and Angola strengthen ties with Sheikh Mohamed’s State visit

1 min Sandrine Zimra

The state visit of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Angola marks a key milestone in strengthening bilateral ties, reflecting the UAE’s growing engagement with Africa and its commitment to advancing development and prosperity across the continent.

The President of Angola: João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço © Mena Today 

The President of Angola: João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço © Mena Today 

The state visit of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to Angola marks a key milestone in strengthening bilateral ties, reflecting the UAE’s growing engagement with Africa and its commitment to advancing development and prosperity across the continent.

Since establishing diplomatic relations in 1997, cooperation between the UAE and Angola has expanded steadily, underpinned by high-level visits and a series of bilateral agreements covering taxation, investment protection, and aviation.

Economic ties have surged in recent years, with non-oil trade reaching USD 2.2 billion in 2024, up 36% from 2019. 

The UAE has become a leading partner in Angola’s diversification efforts, with investments spanning energy, logistics, agriculture, and digital transformation.

Key initiatives include:

  • Masdar’s renewable energy projects, including a 2 GW solar program.
  • Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s 20-year concession to modernise and operate the Luanda Multipurpose Terminal, worth USD 251 million.
  • EDGE Group’s €1 billion naval contract to supply advanced frigates to Angola.
  • Dubai Investments’ MoU to develop 3,750 hectares of farmland.
  • Abu Dhabi Exports Office (ADEX) financing agreements to support data centers and eco-friendly infrastructure.

Beyond trade and investment, the UAE has also supported Angola’s health, education, and digital sectors. Recent contributions include 25 ambulances and medical equipment, school renovations in Luanda, and the launch of The Digital School to expand access to education in underserved areas.

Strategic Partnership for the Future

This deepening relationship highlights the UAE’s broader strategy of positioning itself as a long-term development partner in Africa, combining economic growth with social impact. 

Sheikh Mohamed’s visit cements UAE–Angola ties as a model of cooperation that blends trade, technology, and humanitarian support in pursuit of shared prosperity.

Sandrine Zimra

Sandrine Zimra

Sandrine Zimra has been a financial analyst for 25 years. Based in Geneva, she covers countries in the Middle East and travels regularly to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, and Israel. She contributes to Mena Today with her financial reports and insights on the region.

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