UAE and African Union Deepen Strategic Partnership on Peace, Trade and Technology

Addis Ababa, 9 January 2026 — The African Union Commission (AUC) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have agreed to expand their strategic cooperation in areas including peace and security, trade and investment, and emerging technologies following high-level talks in Addis Ababa this week.

The meeting on 6 January 2026 brought together H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, and H.E. Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State. It built on the first round of political consultations held in Abu Dhabi in September 2025 under a 2019 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two sides.

Peace and Regional Stability

Both sides reaffirmed the centrality of Agenda 2063, particularly the flagship initiative “Silencing the Guns by 2030”, as well as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), stressing that durable peace is essential for economic integration and sustainable development.

Discussions focused on regional security issues, including the conflict in Sudan and broader stability in the Horn of Africa. The UAE and the AU underscored the urgent need for an immediate and unconditional humanitarian truce, a permanent ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian access, and accountability for violations of international humanitarian law in Sudan.

They also reiterated support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, security and stability, highlighting the importance of sustained regional and international engagement in the country’s peace-building and state-building processes.

Economic Integration and Trade

The two parties emphasized deepening cooperation on trade and investment as mutually reinforcing elements of peace and stability. They acknowledged that expanded commercial ties and inclusive economic growth can help address root causes of conflict and promote regional integration under the AfCFTA framework.

Technology and Innovation Initiatives

The AU welcomed the UAE’s launch of the USD 1 billion “AI for Development” initiative, announced at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025, as a potential driver of Africa’s digital transformation. The programme aims to support innovation in sectors such as education, healthcare and public services

Water and Global Cooperation

Against the backdrop of the AU’s 2026 theme on water and sanitation, both sides highlighted the upcoming 2026 United Nations Water Conference, co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal, as a key opportunity to advance global action on water resilience. They agreed to pursue tangible, action-oriented outcomes across Africa through cooperation on initiatives such as the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.

Territorial Dispute and International Law

The meeting also touched on geopolitical concerns. Both parties reaffirmed that Iran’s occupation of the three UAE islands — Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa — constitutes a violation of UAE sovereignty and international law. They supported a peaceful resolution through bilateral negotiations or referral to the International Court of Justice.

Outlook

The joint discussions reflect deepening strategic ties between the UAE and the African Union spanning diplomacy, security, economic cooperation, and technological development. They signal a shared commitment to addressing key continental priorities — from peace and prosperity to innovation and sustainable development.

Sources

Joint Statement between the African Union Commission and the United Arab Emirates, African Union Commission (6 Jan. 2026)

UAE, African Union deepen ties with focus on peace, trade and AI development, BusinessDay (8 Jan. 2026)

UAE, African Union deepen partnership on peace, trade and technology, The Standard (9 Jan. 2026)