UAE capital inflows jump 88%, businesses eye more

Nigeria could attract a larger share of investment from the United Arab Emirates if it sustains its economic and sectoral reforms, business leaders have said, as the UAE reported investing $71.32bn in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2021 and 2025.

Although the UAE did not provide a country-by-country breakdown, Nigeria’s capital importation from the Gulf nation jumped 87.8 per cent to $728.81m in 2025 from $388.01m in 2024, according to Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics.

The NBS data showed that Nigeria attracted $2.08bn in capital from the UAE between 2021 and 2025, rising to $2.28bn after adding the $194.51m recorded in the first quarter of 2026.

The development came as the UAE identified renewable energy, infrastructure and digital innovation as priority areas for long-term investment and sustainable development across Africa.

The UAE Minister of State, Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, said the country viewed Africa as a strategic partner in its economic diversification agenda.

In a recent interview reported by The Nation, Al Hajeri said, “The UAE believes in the importance of building partnerships that are resilient, strategic, and aligned with long-term national priorities. In this context, the UAE sees its engagement and partnership across Africa as even more essential.”

He said the UAE had invested about $71.32bn in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2021 and 2025. He also said the UAE had committed more than $70bn to renewable and green energy projects across the continent through initiatives including Masdar’s $10bn programme and the Etihad 7 platform.

According to the official, the UAE was also expanding its investments in infrastructure and logistics through DP World and AD Ports Group, as well as through financing from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development.

He said the investments would improve transport networks, reduce the cost of doing business, expand access to electricity, create jobs and promote technology and skills transfer across African countries.

Speaking to the relevance of foreign investment in Nigeria, the President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Leye Kupoluyi, said Nigeria’s improving economic conditions could strengthen its position as an investment destination for the UAE and other foreign investors.