UAE–Africa Dialogue Emphasizes Importance of Deepening Strategic Partnerships

Addis Ababa, June 26, 2026 (ENA)_The 2026 Hili UAE–Africa Dialogue, which brought together senior government officials, diplomats, policymakers, researchers, business leaders, and strategic partners to explore new pathways for strengthening Africa–UAE cooperation, emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships.

The Hili UAE–Africa Dialogue is a strategic geopolitical and economic forum designed to strengthen partnerships between the United Arab Emirates and the African continent.

The objective of the Dialogue is to connect policymakers, diplomats, researchers, thought leaders, and business executives to explore shared priorities in sustainable development, trade, technology, and connectivity.

 

The 2026 forum, which concluded in Addis Ababa today, focused on UAE-Africa trade partnerships, agriculture, renewable energy, critical minerals, infrastructure, and empowering youth, it was learned.

Through the discussions on diplomacy, trade, connectivity, disruptive technologies, critical minerals, agriculture, and renewable energy, the participants emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships, innovation, and practical cooperation in advancing shared prosperity and sustainable development.

Recall that the Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA) and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the sidelines of the Hili UAE–Africa Dialogue.

Speaking at the 2026 Hili UAE–Africa Dialogue forum that opened yesterday, Institute of Foreign Affairs Executive Director Jafar Bedru said that “to treat the Memorandum of Understanding as a formality would be a mistake. It is the beginning of a partnership”.

 

The MoU establishes a framework for cooperation in research, policy dialogue, capacity building, publications, and the exchange of experts and researchers, reinforcing the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing knowledge and strengthening Ethiopia–UAE cooperation.

The Executive Director highlighted the importance of building enduring institutional partnerships, emphasizing that sustained dialogue, joint research, and knowledge exchange are essential to advancing long-term Africa–UAE cooperation.

On his part, Chargé d’Affaires of the UAE Embassy in Ethiopia, Rashed Abdulla Al Shehhi said the “objective is not only to support growth, but to build opportunity.”

 

Al Shehhi highlighted the evolving UAE–Ethiopia partnership, emphasizing cooperation across trade, agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, renewable energy, and digital transformation.

He noted the importance of translating shared opportunities into tangible outcomes through innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development.