Non-oil trade between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nigeria has grown significantly in recent years, increasing from approximately $1.3 billion in 2020 to nearly $4.9 billion in 2025, reflecting broader diversification in economic engagement.

According to Saeed Bin Mubarak Al Hajeri, UAE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the relationship is increasingly being shaped by long-term economic priorities rather than short-term external developments.

“The UAE–Nigeria partnership is defined by resilience and a shared vision for growth. We see significant opportunities to deepen cooperation, particularly in infrastructure, logistics, energy, and other sectors that drive long-term economic development,” he said.

That outlook has been supported by expanding trade between both countries. Al Hajeri attributed that consistency to the UAE’s globally connected economy and long-term investment approach.

“This consistency is underpinned by the UAE’s globally connected economy and one of the world’s most competitive business environments, enabling us to navigate disruptions and safeguard both public and private sector investments,” he said.

He added that years of investment in infrastructure, logistics and supply-chain resilience had helped maintain continuity across trade corridors and support stable commercial relationships across West Africa.

“We have long prepared for scenarios such as this. Our infrastructure has been strengthened, alternative export routes – including pipelines bypassing the Strait – are in place, and supply chains remain fully operational.”

Nigeria has become an increasingly important partner within the UAE’s broader engagement across Africa, reflecting growing economic ties between the Gulf and one of the continent’s largest markets. For Nigeria and other West African economies, continued reliability in trade and connectivity remains particularly important as countries seek to strengthen growth, manage costs and improve economic resilience.

Beyond trade, the UAE signalled that the next phase of engagement with Nigeria will increasingly centre on investment, innovation and economic transformation. According to Al Hajeri, the UAE’s partnerships across Africa today extend across more than 50 countries and cover sectors including sustainable energy, food security, infrastructure, education, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and healthcare.

“The UAE’s ties with Africa go beyond geography – they are built on deep historical, human, and cultural connections. Over time, these ties have grown into a strong partnership based on mutual trust, respect, and a shared vision for a more prosperous future for our peoples,” he said.

That broader agenda is increasingly being supported through trade and investment platforms designed to encourage deeper integration.

“The UAE–Nigeria partnership is evolving beyond trade toward long-term economic transformation, driven by innovation, technology, and strategic investment, within a framework of cooperation that fosters mutual prosperity for our peoples,” Al Hajeri said.

He pointed to the UAE’s expanding Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement programme, which now includes agreements across ten African economies and is intended to support stronger investment and commercial connectivity.

In parallel, the UAE has launched its USD 1 billion “AI for Development in Africa” initiative, announced at the G20 Summit in South Africa, aimed at supporting projects that strengthen digital ecosystems, expand economic opportunities and accelerate sustainable development.

“In parallel, through our USD 1 billion ‘AI for Development in Africa’ initiative, launched at the G20 Summit in South Africa, we are investing in the technologies that will shape the future – supporting AI projects that boost economic and social development, strengthen digital ecosystems, and unlock new pathways for sustainable growth,” he said.

Looking ahead, Al Hajeri said the UAE sees Africa as central to its long-term economic outlook and reiterated that investment in infrastructure, renewable energy, logistics and digital connectivity will remain priorities.

“The UAE reaffirms its commitment to being a reliable, long-term partner to Africa, through a framework of cooperation that fosters mutual prosperity. We are not simply extending a hand in partnership – we are building bridges to a shared future for generations.”