UAE-Africa nexus: Navigating a new multipolar landscape
Guests
- Mohammed Baharoon, Director General, Dubai Public Policy Research Center
- Cobus van Staden, Senior Research Affiliate, South African Institute of International Affairs; Managing Editor, The China Global South Project
- Maddalena Procopio, Senior Policy Fellow, Africa Programme, ECFR
Chaired by
Camille Lons, Deputy Director, Paris Office; Policy Fellow, MENA Programme, ECFR
As European leaders navigate the EU’s strategic future amid rising geopolitical tensions, a critical mass of middle powers, from India and Turkey to the Gulf monarchies, is increasingly affecting Europe’s engagement across Africa.
The United Arab Emirates has emerged as an exceptionally active player in Africa over the last few years, focusing particularly on Africa’s energy sectors, from oil and gas to renewables and critical minerals. This is driven by its ambition to become a global leader in the energy transition and backed by its substantial logistical and financial resources.
Drawing insights from the recent ECFR Policy Brief, Beyond Competition: How Europe Can Harness the UAE’s Energy Ambitions in Africa, this event will delve into Abu Dhabi’s expanding influence in Africa and examine the repercussions for Europe and the global order.