AIM Congress 2026: Africa Seeks Gulf Investment for Industrial Growth

Sep 7, 2026

89 min

Sep 7, 2026 15:30

AIM Congress 2026: Africa looks to Gulf investors to power its next growth phase

## Strengthening Economic Ties

The AIM Congress 2026, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, has become a focal point for African economic diplomacy. The event brought together African leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore deeper economic connections with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The Africa Pavilion, hosted by the Africa GCC Council, served as a strategic ecosystem rather than a mere exhibit, facilitating direct interactions between African project sponsors and GCC investors.

## Focus on Industrialization

Dr. M'zée Fula Ngenge, Chairperson of the Africa Pavilion, emphasized the shift from visibility to actionable outcomes, aiming to transform discussions into tangible projects. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, ratified by 50 countries, represents a market of 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, highlighting Africa's potential as a destination for Gulf investment beyond mere resource extraction.

## Investment Opportunities

The UAE has already invested over $110 billion in African projects, with a significant portion directed towards green energy and renewables. This positions the UAE as Africa's fourth-largest source of foreign investment. The Congress also highlighted the potential of landlocked African nations to attract investment through regional integration and transit diplomacy.

## Emphasis on Renewable Energy

Ethiopia's President, Taye Atske-Selassie, outlined the country's strategic investment priorities, focusing on renewable energy. Ethiopia aims to harness 60,000 megawatts from renewable sources, with a target of reaching 50,000 megawatts by 2030, to boost energy supply across East Africa.

## Beyond Raw Materials

Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the AfCFTA Secretariat, stressed the importance of moving beyond raw commodity exports. He advocated for building refining and manufacturing capacities within Africa, particularly in critical minerals like copper, cobalt, and lithium, which are vital for the global shift to renewable energy and electric mobility.

## Supporting African Entrepreneurs...

Read the full story at the source

What you need to know to get Emirates ID?

Leave your details and get a guide as a gift to avoid mistakes

Article contents

LinkedIn X Facebook WhatsApp Telegram