UAE Drives Record FDI Inflows in North Africa in 2024
Key Ideas
  • North Africa experienced a surge in FDI in 2024, with over $51bn in investments recorded, triple the amount from 2023.
  • The UAE played a significant role in driving FDI into the region, investing in real estate deals, renewable energy, ports, and the development of new projects like Ras a-Hekma.
  • Egypt attracted the majority of FDI in North Africa, with $46.6bn of inflows, benefiting from investments from UAE sources like ADQ.
  • Emirati investments in North Africa extend beyond finance, focusing on strategic alliances and a variety of sectors like infrastructure, agrifood, and technology, including green energy projects like hydrogen production in Morocco and Tunisia.
In 2024, North Africa saw a significant increase in foreign direct investment (FDI), reaching over $51 billion, a stark rise from the $13 billion recorded in 2023. The UAE played a pivotal role in driving this surge, engaging in major real estate deals in Egypt and investing in renewable energy projects and ports across the region. Egypt emerged as a key recipient of FDI in North Africa, attracting $46.6 billion in inflows, a substantial increase from previous years. ADQ, Abu Dhabi's sovereign wealth fund, committed to investing $24 billion in the development of Ras a-Hekma, a new coastal city in Egypt, as part of a $35 billion partnership between the UAE and Egypt. This initiative not only aided Egypt in addressing its foreign currency crisis but also paved the way for further economic agreements. Apart from real estate, the UAE's investments in the region extended to renewable energy projects, with greenfield FDI in this sector amounting to $13.8 billion in 2024. Emirati involvement in North Africa's economy is seen as strategic, supporting both economic and political objectives. This includes diversifying investments across sectors such as infrastructure, agrifood, and technology. Emirati investments in green energy projects in the region have also been notable, with plans to produce hydrogen in Morocco and Tunisia, as well as significant investments in green hydrogen and ammonia projects. These initiatives, aimed at reducing dependence on oil and supporting African energy needs, reflect the UAE's commitment to sustainable development and strategic partnerships in North Africa.
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