Market News

By : Ngozi Egenuka

The United Arab Emirates says its long-term economic commitments to Nigeria remain unchanged, while pointing instead to growing trade volumes, deeper investment activity and new opportunities in technology and infrastructure.

UAE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, said the relationship with Nigeria is increasingly being shaped by long-term economic priorities rather than short-term external developments, adding that Nigeria has become an increasingly important partner within the UAE’s broader engagement across Africa, reflecting growing economic ties between the Gulf and one of the continent’s largest markets.

“The UAE–Nigeria partnership is defined by resilience and a shared vision for growth. We see significant opportunities to deepen cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, logistics, energy, and other sectors that drive long-term economic development,” he said.

That outlook has been supported by expanding trade between both countries. Non-oil trade between the UAE and Nigeria has grown significantly in recent years, increasing from approximately $1.3 billion in 2020 to nearly $4.9 billion in 2025, reflecting broader diversification in economic engagement.

Al Hajeri attributed that consistency to the UAE’s globally connected economy and long-term investment approach. “This consistency is underpinned by the UAE’s globally connected economy and one of the world’s most competitive business environments, enabling us to navigate disruptions and safeguard both public and private sector investments,” he said.

He added that years of investment in infrastructure, logistics and supply-chain resilience had helped maintain continuity across trade corridors and support stable commercial relationships across West Africa. Beyond trade, the UAE noted that the next phase of engagement with Nigeria will increasingly centre on investment, innovation and economic transformation.

According to Al Hajeri, the UAE’s partnerships across Africa today extend across more than 50 countries and cover sectors including sustainable energy, food security, infrastructure, education, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and healthcare.

That broader agenda is increasingly being supported through trade and investment platforms designed to encourage deeper integration.

“The UAE–Nigeria partnership is evolving beyond trade toward long-term economic transformation, driven by innovation, technology, and strategic investment, within a framework of cooperation that fosters mutual prosperity for our peoples,” Al Hajeri said.

He pointed to the UAE’s expanding Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement programme, which now includes agreements across ten African economies and is intended to support stronger investment and commercial connectivity. In parallel, the UAE has launched its USD 1 billion “AI for Development in Africa” initiative, announced at the G20 Summit in South Africa, aimed at supporting projects that strengthen digital ecosystems, expand economic opportunities and accelerate sustainable development.

“In parallel, through our USD 1 billion ‘AI for Development in Africa’ initiative, launched at the G20 Summit in South Africa, we are investing in the technologies that will shape the future – supporting AI projects that boost economic and social development, strengthen digital ecosystems, and unlock new pathways for sustainable growth,” he said.