As climate change, water scarcity and energy insecurity increasingly shape global development, the United Arab Emirates believes international cooperation, innovation and investment will be essential to building resilient and prosperous societies. H.E. Rashed Juma Al Shamsi reflects on how deeper UAE-Africa partnerships can help unlock sustainable growth opportunities for the continent and Zimbabwe in particular.
Rashed Juma Al Shamsi
The world is facing unprecedented environmental challenges, from climate change and water scarcity to desertification and biodiversity loss. These challenges are particularly significant for Africa, a continent that contributes relatively little to global emissions yet remains among the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
The United Arab Emirates has long recognised the importance of addressing these challenges through sustainable development, innovation and international cooperation. The UAE firmly believes that sustainability is not merely an environmental objective, but a shared responsibility and a vital pathway towards long-term economic growth, social development and global prosperity.
This approach is deeply rooted in the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the Founding Father of the UAE, who recognised that sustainable development and responsible stewardship of natural resources are essential to long-term prosperity. Building on this vision, the UAE has embedded sustainability across its development model, investing in clean energy, water resilience, food security and sustainable infrastructure, while pursuing economic diversification and growth.
Building on its national achievements, the UAE has increasingly focused on advancing international cooperation to address shared environmental and development challenges. This commitment was reflected in the UAE’s successful hosting of the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Dubai in 2023, which delivered the historic UAE Consensus, adopted by nearly 200 parties. The agreement provided a practical framework to accelerate the global energy transition while recognising different national circumstances and development priorities. It also underscored the importance of international cooperation, finance, technology and investment in supporting sustainable development and climate resilience.
The UAE views climate action as an opportunity to drive innovation, strengthen resilience and support sustainable economic growth. In line with this vision, the UAE became the first country in the Middle East and North Africa region to launch a Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. Today, this commitment is being translated into tangible investments in clean energy, innovation, sustainable infrastructure and emerging technologies, both domestically and internationally.
One of the clearest examples of this approach is Masdar, the UAE’s flagship renewable energy company, whose global clean energy portfolio exceeded 51 gigawatts by the end of 2024, with a target of reaching 100 gigawatts by 2030. Operating in more than 40 countries, Masdar is supporting the expansion of clean energy capacity while contributing to sustainable economic development and energy access.
Africa occupies a central place in the UAE’s sustainability and development partnerships. As the continent continues to pursue its development ambitions and energy transition, the UAE has sought to support efforts that expand energy access, mobilise investment and unlock opportunities for sustainable economic growth.
A flagship example is the Africa Green Investment Initiative (AGII), launched by the UAE to help unlock Africa’s clean energy potential. Backed by a USD 4.5 billion commitment from leading UAE institutions, the initiative aims to deliver up to 15 gigawatts of new clean power capacity across the continent by 2030, while catalysing sustainable industrial growth and economic development. Through initiatives such as AGII, the UAE seeks to support an energy transition that is inclusive, investment-driven and responsive to national development priorities.
Beyond energy, water represents another critical pillar of sustainable development and long-term resilience. Water is closely linked to food security, public health, economic development and climate adaptation, underscoring the importance of addressing the water-food-energy nexus in an integrated manner. Drawing on its experience as one of the world’s most water-scarce countries, the UAE has demonstrated how innovation, technology and long-term planning can help strengthen water resilience and support long-term prosperity.
Building on this experience, the UAE is working with international partners to advance water resilience through innovation, investment, technology and practical cooperation. Initiatives such as the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative and the Abu Dhabi Global Water Platform reflect the UAE’s commitment to accelerating technological solutions, strengthening international collaboration and advancing sustainable water management. In Africa, where water scarcity, drought and climate variability directly affect livelihoods and food systems, cooperation on water can unlock wider progress in agriculture, health, energy and sustainable development.
As part of this commitment, the UAE, together with Senegal, will co-host the 2026 United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi from 8 to 10 December 2026. The conference will bring together governments, international organisations, financial institutions, the private sector and other stakeholders to accelerate implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) and advance practical solutions to global water challenges. It will also provide an important platform to strengthen practical partnerships, mobilise financing and investment, and promote innovation in support of a more water-resilient future.
As Zimbabwe advances its development and sustainability priorities, there are growing opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas such as renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, water management and sustainable infrastructure. The UAE views Zimbabwe as an important partner and believes there is significant potential to expand collaboration through investment, innovation, technology and knowledge exchange.
By translating shared ambitions into practical partnerships, both countries can help advance sustainable development while creating new opportunities for growth, innovation and resilience.
The opportunities and challenges of the 21st century require cooperation, innovation and a shared commitment to sustainable development. Through practical partnerships and mutually beneficial collaboration, the UAE looks forward to deepening cooperation with Zimbabwe and partners across Africa in support of economic growth, resilience and long-term prosperity for future generations.
H.E. Rashed Juma Al Shamsi is the Chargé d’Affaires a.i., of the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Zimbabwe
