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UAE Strengthens Africa Ties: Why a $933 Million Senegal Deal Matters

The UAE is making a major push to strengthen its economic ties with Senegal. A high-level delegation led by Minister Al Zeyoudi signed over a dozen new cooperation agreements. This builds on already strong trade, which has grown significantly this year. The move is part of the UAE's broader strategy to be a leading investor and partner across the African continent.

Key Points: UAE Minister Al Zeyoudi Signs 13 MoUs with Senegal Leaders

  • UAE and Senegal signed 13 new MoUs covering energy, logistics, and digital technologies
  • Non-oil trade hit $933 million, showing a 21% annual growth rate
  • Talks focused on renewable energy, food security, and private sector collaboration
  • The visit aligns with UAE's strategy to deepen economic partnerships across Africa
3 min read

UAE strengthening economic ties with Senegal

UAE Minister Al Zeyoudi meets Senegal's President Faye, signs 13 agreements to boost trade in energy, infrastructure, and healthcare, building on $933M non-oil trade.

"The UAE is dedicated to expanding its relations with Senegal and the broader African continent... we can drive sustainable economic growth. - Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi"

Dakar, December 11

Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, led a high-level delegation to the Republic of Senegal, where he met with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, conveying the best wishes of the leadership of the UAE and wishing the Senegalese people prosperity and progress.

During his visit, Al Zeyoudi also engaged with various government ministries to discuss collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing bilateral relations.

The discussions focused on exploring avenues to drive trade and investment between the two countries across key priority sectors, including renewable energy, infrastructure, and food security.

Accompanied by the Ambassador of the UAE to the Republic of Senegal, Saeed Hamdan Alnaqbi, Al Zeyoudi reaffirmed the UAE's commitment to enhancing economic partnerships and fostering private sector collaboration with Senegal and other rapidly growing economies across Africa.

In separate meetings with key ministers, including Cheikh Diba, Minister of Finance and Budget; Sergine Mbaye, Secretary General of the Ministry of Health and Public Hygiene; Alioune Sall, Minister for Communication, Telecommunication and Digital Economy; Serigne Guèye Diop, Minister for Industry and Trade; Dethie Fall, Minister of Infrastructure; and Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Livestock , Al Zeyoudi discussed further avenues for cooperation and investment.

During the visit, a total of 13 MoUs were signed covering a range of sectors, including energy, logistics, mining, industrial development, digital technologies, construction, and healthcare.

The UAE and Senegal share a strong economic partnership, with non-oil trade reaching $933 million in the first nine months of 2025, reflecting a 21.1% increase year-on-year. With many possibilities still to be explored, this ongoing growth highlights the potential for further economic engagement and investment between the two nations.

Al Zeyoudi said: "The UAE is dedicated to expanding its relations with Senegal and the broader African continent. By strengthening our partnerships, we can drive sustainable economic growth and unlock new possibilities for both our nations."

The discussions focused on deepening economic cooperation and identifying additional prospects for increasing private sector collaboration, in alignment with the UAE's Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program and its objectives of expanding trade and investment flows with high-growth economies around the world, including in Africa.

The UAE remains committed to expanding relations with Africa, a continent rich in potential for economic growth. In 2024, the UAE's non-oil trade with African countries was USD$112 billion, a growth of 34% compared to 2023.

The UAE is also the continent's largest source of new FDI, with over $110 billion invested across the continent between 2019 and 2024. Through ongoing partnerships and collaborative efforts, the UAE aims to support sustainable development initiatives that will accelerate mutually beneficial economic growth. (ANI/WAM)

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Renewable energy and food security collaborations are crucial. With climate change affecting us all, such South-South cooperation is welcome. Hope some of this knowledge and investment trickles into sustainable farming practices that can benefit smallholders everywhere.
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Aman W
$933 million in 9 months is impressive growth. The UAE is really diversifying its economy away from oil. As an Indian, I see our trade with Africa is strong, but we need to match this pace of high-level diplomatic engagement and signing MoUs. Our ministers need more frequent visits.
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Sarah B
While economic partnerships are good, I hope these agreements genuinely benefit the people of Senegal and create local jobs, not just extract resources. The focus on healthcare and digital tech in the MoUs is a positive sign.
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Vikram M
The UAE's strategy is clear: use sovereign wealth to build influence and secure future markets. India has a historical and cultural connect with Africa. We should leverage that more effectively. Our private sector is dynamic but needs stronger government backing for big-ticket projects abroad.
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Karthik V
Good to see focus on mining and logistics. Africa has critical minerals needed for the global energy transition. Hope the partnerships are fair and transparent. India is also looking for such resources, so healthy competition is fine, but collaboration on some fronts could be explored too.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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