UAE Investment in Africa

In the bustling ports along Africa’s coast, amidst the expansive mines rich with critical minerals, and through the sprawling solar and wind farms that dot the landscape, a common thread emerges: the influence of the United Arab Emirates. As traditional powerhouses like the United States and China retreat in their levels of investment and engagement, the UAE has aggressively expanded its footprint, becoming a formidable force in shaping Africa’s economic future.

From the Persian Gulf to the shores of the Atlantic, the UAE’s involvement is palpable. Since 2019, deals amounting to $110 billion have been announced, predominantly by firms closely linked with the UAE’s ruling elite. This surge in investment dwarfs the financial commitments of other nations, signaling a strategic pivot towards Africa by the Emirati leadership.

Strategic Investments and Economic Diversification

At the core of this expansive influence are powerhouse corporations like AMEA Power and the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, which have undertaken large-scale renewable energy projects across the continent. Notably, AMEA Power is significantly involved in the clean energy sector with operations and projects in nations such as Burkina Faso, Djibouti, and Kenya.

Moreover, DP World, the UAE-government-backed ports operator, has invested billions in developing ports and free economic zones from Algeria to Zambia. Its recent commitment to inject an additional $3 billion into African ports underscores a long-term strategic vision. This vision not only includes infrastructure but also extends to significant investments in mining and agriculture, sectors crucial for Africa’s economic revitalization and the UAE’s supply chain diversification efforts away from oil.

The UAE’s investments in Africa are not merely financial but are strategic, aiming to position the Emirates as a pivotal intermediary in global trade, particularly in sectors poised for future growth like renewable energy. These investments leverage Africa’s rich mineral resources and strategic geographic positioning, aligning with the UAE’s broader economic diversification strategy.

Political and Strategic Dimensions

While the economic narrative might dominate, the UAE’s approach also has deep political and strategic layers. Investment initiatives often align with securing political influence, with Emirati firms, many with close governmental ties, expected to generate economic returns that also serve broader geostrategic interests.

However, this extensive involvement has not been without controversy. In regions like Sudan and Libya, the UAE has faced accusations of exacerbating conflict dynamics, particularly through its alleged connections with paramilitary groups and foreign mercenaries. These actions, while denied by the UAE which claims to provide only humanitarian aid, highlight the complex interplay of business and politics in foreign investment strategies.

The shift in investment strategies from Western powers to Gulf states, particularly the UAE, reflects a broader global realignment. The reduction in traditional aid and the rise of investment-focused engagements suggest a move towards a more business-oriented approach to international relations, where economic interests often precede political values.

This transformation is evident as the UAE, despite its small size and limited military capabilities, emerges as a middle power with outsized influence on the African continent. By weaving together economic might and strategic partnerships, the UAE is redefining its role on the global stage, positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s future development.

As the UAE continues to expand its investments and strategic partnerships across Africa, it not only reshapes its own economic landscape but also redefines the contours of global geo-economic and geopolitical interactions. The deepening of these ties will likely have lasting impacts on the development trajectories of numerous African nations, as well as on the broader international alignment of economic and strategic interests.

uae-investment-strategic-economic-influence-africa

Arrest of Chad Opposition Leader Raises Concerns

Before dawn on Friday, Succès Masra, a major opposition leader and former prime minister of Chad, was taken from his home by military personnel, igniting fears of an intensified government crackdown on dissent. Masra, who is the leader of the Transformers party, faces charges including incitement to hatred and revolt, complicity in murder, and desecration of graves, amid escalating tensions in a country fraught with political strife.

Chad’s prosecutor, Oumar Mahamat Kedelaye, linked Masra to violence that erupted this week in the southwest province of Logone Occidental, resulting in the death of several women and children. The violence, said to involve clashes between herders and farmers, has been a growing issue, with the government often blaming local tensions without addressing underlying political grievances.

According to Kedelaye, Masra allegedly broadcast messages urging the public to arm themselves against fellow citizens. However, a review of Masra’s social media accounts revealed no such messages, although he did express condolences to the families of those killed. “The life of no Chadian should be trivialized,” Masra’s post concluded, highlighting his call for peace rather than conflict.

Pattern of Political Suppression

The arrest is seen by many as part of a broader pattern of repression by the Chadian government against its critics. In recent years, several civil society and political activists have faced imprisonment, torture, and even death at the hands of state security forces. The Transformers party described Masra’s arrest as an “abduction,” noting that no official court summons had been issued at the time of his detention.

Remadji Hoinathy, a senior researcher at the Institute for Security Studies, noted that the Chadian judicial system has frequently been manipulated to suppress dissent. “These events can’t be separated from the government’s desire to pressure and silence opponents who have thus far stood up to it,” Hoinathy explained, emphasizing the need for evidence before passing judgment on the charges against Masra.

Regional Concerns over Democracy

The arrest comes amid a troubling trend in the region. Just this week, Mali’s military junta dissolved all political parties, and last month, Ivory Coast barred its main opposition leader from running in the presidential election due to issues related to nationality. These actions highlight a growing challenge for opposition figures across Africa, where governmental tolerance for dissent appears to be diminishing.

In Chad, the political landscape has been particularly volatile. Following the battlefield death last year of long-time dictator Idriss Déby, his son, Mahamat Déby, took power, leading a transitional military council. The younger Déby’s rise to power was marked by violent clashes and widespread accusations of electoral manipulation during the presidential elections, in which Masra, despite his brief alliance with the regime, emerged as a vocal critic and claimed victory.

The sequence of events raises critical questions about the future of governance in Chad and the broader Sahel region. With each arrest, the fabric of democracy wears thinner, leaving the citizens of Chad and observers around the world pondering the true cost of dissent in increasingly authoritarian landscapes.

suggested-slug: arrest-chad-opposition-leader-raises-concerns

Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo Nominated for Premier League Player of the Year

“It feels crazy,” were the words of Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo as he reacted to his nomination for the Premier League’s Player of the Season award. At just 25 years old, the Cameroon international’s impact on the English top flight has been profound, with an impressive tally of 18 goals and seven assists in 36 league appearances this season.

Mbeumo’s unexpected rise has not only propelled Brentford into the spotlight but has also placed them on the cusp of their first-ever European competition. “I didn’t really expect it,” Mbeumo told BBC Sport Africa, reflecting on the nomination. “I know I have had a good season, but I was surprised when I’ve seen my name there.”

The nomination places Mbeumo among elite company, with Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah, currently leading the top flight scoring charts, as a prominent contender. Other nominees include Salah’s teammates Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch, Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood, Newcastle striker Alexander Isak, and Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice.

Since joining Brentford from French club Troyes in August 2019, Mbeumo has played a pivotal role in the club’s transformation. From a Championship team to Premier League contenders, Mbeumo’s journey with Brentford has seen him become the club’s second-highest scorer in the Premier League era, with a total of 40 goals.

“This club brought me everything,” Mbeumo expressed. “They gave me confidence, and I feel very happy to achieve this season here. With the group we have, it is just such a good life here.” He also acknowledged the collective effort of his team, suggesting that other players at Brentford equally deserved recognition, a testament to the club’s overall improvement.

Currently sitting eighth in the Premier League table, Brentford’s aspirations for a spot in the Europa Conference League next season are well within reach. This achievement would mark a historical milestone for the club, further amplified by the fact that Thomas Frank, Brentford’s manager, is also in contention for the Premier League Manager of the Year award.

The collective achievements of Brentford this season reflect a broader narrative of growth and ambition, with Mbeumo at the heart of this transformation. As the season approaches its climax, the focus will not only be on whether Mbeumo can clinch the prestigious individual award but also on Brentford’s potential European venture, an exciting prospect for a club that continues to defy expectations.

brentford-bryan-mbeumo-premier-league-player-nomination