Non-oil trade between Angola and the UAE reached US$2.2 billion in 2024, a 36% increase compared to 2019, underscoring the dynamism of bilateral commerce. For Abu Dhabi and Luanda, these numbers represent more than trade—they symbolise trust, investment appetite, and a deliberate pivot towards strategic alignment.

This momentum has been reinforced through high-level agreements. MoUs have been signed between Masdar and Angola’s Ministry of Energy and Water to develop renewable energy projects, between Abu Dhabi Ports Group and Angola’s Ministry of Transport to modernise maritime and logistics capacity, and with companies such as EDGE Group(defence) and Presight (digital transformation). These partnerships reflect the UAE’s broader strategy of investing in African growth markets while supporting Angola’s long-term economic diversification agenda.

Agriculture has emerged as a priority. UAE-based agribusiness Al Dahra is preparing to invest more than US$100 million in Angolan agriculture, including management of 10,000 hectares in partnership with the government. The project is expected to boost local food production, build capacity in crop management, and contribute to regional food security.

In energy, Abu Dhabi’s MIA Power has engaged Angola in water desalination and power projects, while Masdar is scaling up its renewable footprint in the country. These initiatives align with Angola’s goals to secure energy access, diversify its energy matrix, and add resilience to its infrastructure systems.

Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Ports Group’s partnership with Angola is transforming logistics. Agreements to develop port facilities, maritime services, and corridor connectivity highlight a strategic approach: using Angola’s Atlantic coastline to strengthen regional trade flows while embedding the UAE deeper into Africa’s supply chain networks.

The UAE’s investments in Angola are not simply bilateral—they have regional resonance. By upgrading Angola’s logistics infrastructure, scaling agricultural capacity, and supporting renewable energy projects, these initiatives create a platform that benefits not only Angola but also Southern Africa’s wider trade integration under the AfCFTA framework.

For Angola, the benefits are clear. With oil still dominant in its economy, the UAE’s multi-sector investment is a practical step toward diversification and a hedge against commodity volatility. For the UAE, Angola provides both a strategic foothold in Southern Africa and a chance to extend its growing global influence in energy, logistics, and agribusiness.

Source: Furtherafrica