African City leaders and mayors representing nearly 20 nations across Sub-Saharan Africa convened at Expo City Dubai this week to launch a critical new platform focused on strategic urban cooperation.
The working session aims to accelerate shared goals in vital areas, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital transformation, climate adaptation, and inclusive economic growth.
The high-level meeting took place on the sidelines of the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit (2025APCS) & Mayors’ Forum, cementing the UAE’s increasing role as a key partner in Africa’s rapid urbanization journey.
Mayors from major African urban centers, including Abuja, Kaduna, Accra, Dakar, Banjul, Niamey, Maputo, and Stellenbosch, attended the dialogue. The primary goal was to promote investments in infrastructure, energy, and job creation that align with the continent’s key priorities.
Specifically, the platform seeks to exchange knowledge and co-develop scalable models for resilient, inclusive, and sustainable growth, with a focus on: Renewable Energy and climate mitigation projects. Digital Innovation through AI-driven, low-cost digital infrastructure. The Empowerment of women and youth within the urban context.
Institutional partners, including the Africa Infrastructure Development Association and the Kenya Green Building Society, also participated in deep dives on policy and partnership strategies to accelerate investment-ready urban transitions and low-carbon projects.
The session featured the attendance of Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority. The discussions underscored that UAE-Africa relations are rooted in longstanding heritage and deep community ties, with the UAE emerging as a leading investor guided by a vision for shared development and sustainable growth.
This strategic focus positions the UAE as a continental bridge, supporting Africa’s journey toward sustainable urbanization through action-oriented projects and capacity-building. The meeting builds directly on the first round of political consultations between the United Arab Emirates and the African Union Commission, reinforcing efforts to strengthen strategic and urban partnerships.
The three-day global cities summit, hosted at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, and welcomed delegates from more than 300 cities worldwide to explore strategies for building more liveable, efficient, and resilient urban futures.
ABJ/APA