Page 60 - MOET ENGLISH PR REPORT - OCTOBER 2025 (Part 1)

Press Release

The Joint Ministerial Statement set out five priority areas to bolster joint efforts between the UAE
and Africa during the upcoming stage.

The first area, Tourism, focuses on developing quality tourism infrastructure and efficient
connectivity, strengthening human capital, supporting local content and the circular economy,
enhancing adaptation to climate change, and advancing digital transformation. The second area,
Investment and Infrastructure, underlines the importance of predictable regulatory frameworks,
investment facilitation, and alignment with continental initiatives such as the African Continental
Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The ministers called for increased use of mechanisms that allow funds
to be redirected toward community development, climate, and environmental initiatives. The third
pillar, Aviation and Connectivity, aims to expand air links, improve logistics services and facilitate
mobility, recognizing connectivity as a vital enabler of regional integration and investment to
unlock tourism potential, especially in underserved destinations.

The fourth pillar, Sustainability, highlights the need to address the growing impact of climate
change on environmental systems and the vulnerability of coastal and forest habitats underpinning
international tourist destinations in Africa. The ministers reaffirmed their commitment to
promoting green and climate-resilient projects, supporting investments in nature-based solutions,
encouraging the use of renewable energy, and integrating sustainability considerations into tourism
and related sectors. Finally, under the fifth pillar, SME-financing and Innovation, the ministers
emphasized the role of youth- and women-led enterprises, as well as digital startups and business
incubators in fostering inclusive growth, innovation, and job creation, and committed to supporting
their access to finance and markets. They recognized the importance of facilitating access to
finance for the private sector, including through multilateral institutions, in order to make tourism
a transformative driver of sustainable development.

UAE as a strategic partner

The ministers reaffirmed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a cornerstone of
regional integration and competitiveness. They welcomed collaboration with strategic partners,
including the UAE, whose engagement can mobilize capital and connectivity in ways that
reinforce the implementation of AfCFTA and regional value chains.

The ministers recognized the UAE as a reliable partner in advancing the sustainable development
of African economies, particularly in the tourism sector. They noted the UAE’s successful
experience in leveraging tourism to attract international investment, diversify its economy, and
contribute to long-term sustainable growth.