The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar have for years maintained political and security interests in North and East Africa. However, in the late 2010s, their foreign policy took a geo-economic turn, pushing their expansion into sub-Saharan Africa.
Investment in key sectors such as energy and infrastructure has been at the heart of this new strategy. These areas not only benefit Gulf interests, but also respond to the main needs of the African continent. As a result, the image of these countries in Africa has improved, in line with the tendency of African governments to diversify their international partnerships and encourage competition among their partners.
Meanwhile, the EU and its member states, while still influential players in Africa, have seen their involvement in the region decline. The growing presence of the Gulf states could intensify this trend, unless Europe finds a way to counteract it.
For more information, Magdalena Procopio and Corrado Cok tell the story. here.
Source: ecfr.eu 24/03/2025