The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reiterated its commitment to deepening partnerships with African nations to accelerate the continent’s clean energy transition and green industrialization.

Speaking at the Accelerated Partnership for Renewables in Africa (APRA) Investment Forum held in Freetown,  Sierra Leone, the UAE’s Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Energy and Sustainability,  Abdulla Balalaa, reaffirmed the country’s readiness to support Africa through long-term partnerships, investment cooperation, and knowledge sharing.

The APRA Forum’s opening session, themed “Boosting Energy Transition and Green Industrialization in APRA Countries,” convened ministers and senior officials from across the continent to discuss practical pathways for expanding renewable energy deployment and sustainable industrial development.

Balalaa joined his ministerial counterparts from Ghana, Djibouti, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe in a high-level debate that explored the need for enabling environments, financial innovation, and regional cooperation to unlock transformative renewable energy projects across Africa.

“The UAE remains committed to deepening partnerships that support Africa in achieving its clean energy and industrialization goals. Together, we can unlock greater investments, empower local communities, and advance shared prosperity,” Balalaa said, according to a statement issued by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Discussions at the forum underscored the importance of addressing structural investment barriers such as infrastructure gaps, market instability, and revenue model challenges. Balalaa highlighted the UAE’s approach of supporting scalable, locally anchored solutions that deliver both energy access and green growth.

The ministerial session officially opened the APRA Forum, setting the agenda for technical deliberations aimed at aligning renewable energy efforts with Africa’s broader sustainable development objectives.

Reaffirming its commitment to impactful energy diplomacy, the UAE showcased its $4.5 billion Africa Green Investment Initiative (AGII) — launched during its COP28 Presidency — designed to unlock the continent’s clean energy potential and deliver 15 gigawatts of new clean power capacity by 2030. The initiative seeks to catalyze industrial growth and strengthen climate finance cooperation.

In addition, the UAE continues to expand its Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) with African nations to boost bilateral trade and investment in key economic sectors.

The UAE’s participation at the APRA Forum reflects its growing role as a strategic partner and bridge between global innovation, investment, and Africa’s inclusive green development.