Keypoints:
- UAE launches $6bn Africa tourism drive
- 70,000 new jobs expected across continent
- FHS Africa 2026 to advance partnerships
THE United Arab Emirates has announced a $6bn investment in Africa’s tourism and hospitality sector, marking one of the largest foreign commitments to the continent’s travel economy in recent years. The initiative is projected to create around 70,000 new jobs across Africa.
The pledge was unveiled during the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 in Dubai, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The summit, organised by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism in partnership with The Bench as part of the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World 2025, drew senior government officials, investors and industry leaders. Discussions focused on investment priorities and partnership opportunities spanning tourism infrastructure, aviation, logistics and digital innovation.
Building a resilient tourism partnership
A ministerial roundtable chaired by Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, UAE Minister of Economy and Tourism, brought together ministers from over 20 African nations. The meeting culminated in a joint statement outlining plans to deepen collaboration in key tourism areas and promote sustainable growth.
‘Today, the UAE and Africa stand at a pivotal moment in developing a resilient and sustainable tourism sector,’ said Al Marri. ‘This milestone is marked by the launch of a new investment mapping featuring diverse projects in aviation, logistics, infrastructure, and the digital sector, with an estimated total value of approximately $6bn and the potential to generate 70,000 job opportunities across Africa.’
Al Marri added that Africa’s ‘rich and diverse tourism assets’—from coastal resorts and cultural landmarks to natural heritage sites—represent vast potential for UAE businesses. He noted that the investment would serve as a ‘gateway for expansion’ and help transform Africa’s tourism ideas into tangible, sustainable projects.
Strengthening infrastructure and connectivity
The joint ministerial statement underscored shared objectives including upgrading tourism infrastructure, expanding air connectivity, and advancing green, inclusive growth through public-private partnerships and SME empowerment.
The initiative reflects Africa’s status as the fastest-growing tourism region in the world, as reported by several international travel organisations. Countries such as Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania, and Morocco are among those witnessing rapid post-pandemic recovery, bolstered by investment in air routes, hotel developments, and digital travel services.
Spotlight turns to FHS Africa 2026
Following the Dubai summit, attention now shifts to Future Hospitality Summit Africa (FHS Africa) 2026, which is expected to serve as a key platform for deal-making and investment announcements.
‘FHS Africa will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of hospitality investment across the continent,’ said Roy Bannister, Head of Strategic Partnerships for Africa at The Bench. ‘As we unpack the $6bn investment plan, our focus will be on turning this framework into real projects, partnerships, and opportunities that deliver lasting impact for Africa’s tourism economy.’
The UAE’s latest pledge signals a new chapter in Africa’s tourism transformation—one grounded in collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development.
