The United Arab Emirates and the African Union sought to strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation during high-level talks in Ethiopia’s capital, emphasising conflict resolution in Sudan and the Horn of Africa, while advancing a $1 billion artificial intelligence initiative for the continent.
UAE Minister of State Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan met with African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on January 6 in Addis Ababa for the second round of political consultations under a 2019 Memorandum of Understanding between the two parties.
The discussions centred on supporting the AU’s Agenda 2063 development framework, particularly the “Silencing the Guns by 2030” peace initiative and the African Continental Free Trade Area, according to a joint statement. Both sides agreed that sustained peace is essential for economic integration, while expanded trade contributes to regional stability.
“They converged on the centrality of Agenda 2063,” the statement said, highlighting “the mutually reinforcing relationship between peace, security, trade and development.”
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AI Investment Welcomed
The AU welcomed the UAE’s “AI for Development” initiative, a $1 billion program announced at the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg in November 2025. Officials said the initiative could accelerate Africa’s digital transformation and support development priorities across the continent.
The UAE has positioned itself as a major technology hub and investor in emerging markets, with artificial intelligence becoming a key pillar of its economic diplomacy.
Sudan Crisis Dominates Security Talks
Both parties called for an immediate humanitarian truce in Sudan, where conflict has displaced millions and created what aid organisations describe as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. The statement demanded unhindered humanitarian access, accountability for violations of international humanitarian law, and the establishment of an independent civilian-led government.
The AU and UAE condemned atrocities against civilians and reaffirmed support for Sudan’s territorial integrity while backing efforts toward a peaceful settlement. The statement referenced a joint AU-IGAD declaration from September 2025 that welcomed international mediation efforts.
The officials also discussed broader Horn of Africa security dynamics, noting the “close interdependence between stability in the Horn of Africa and security in the Arabian Gulf,” including maritime security concerns affecting both regions.
In Somalia, both sides reaffirmed support for the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
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Island Dispute Highlighted
In a diplomatic victory for the UAE, the African Union backed the Gulf state’s position on three islands occupied by Iran. The joint statement said Iran’s control of Greater Tunb, Lesser Tunb and Abu Musa “constitutes a violation of the sovereignty of the UAE and the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”
The parties supported the UAE’s call for resolving the dispute through bilateral negotiations or the International Court of Justice.
Water Security Cooperation
With the AU’s 2026 theme focused on water and sanitation, both sides emphasised upcoming collaboration at the UN Water Conference, to be co-hosted by the UAE and Senegal. They agreed to pursue “tangible, action-oriented deliverables” across Africa through initiatives including the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative.
The consultations followed an initial round of talks held in Abu Dhabi in September 2025. The UAE has expanded its presence in Africa through investments, aid programs and diplomatic engagement as part of its strategy to strengthen ties with the 55-member continental bloc.
