Dubai: Raja Al Mazrouei, Chief Executive Officer of Etihad Credit Insurance (ECI), highlighted the increasing interest of Emirati investors in African markets and ECI’s pivotal role in facilitating this growth through comprehensive financial support mechanisms. Al Mazrouei’s insights were shared during a panel session entitled ‘Capital with Purpose – Financing Africa’s next chapter’, part of The Africa Debate 2025 held in Dubai. Organized by the Ministry of Foreign Trade in collaboration with Invest Africa, the event aimed to boost trade and investment across Africa.
According to Emirates News Agency, the session focused on the ‘Capital with Purpose’ initiative, which represents a strategic shift in UAE-Africa relations. This new model emphasizes diversified and impact-driven investments, moving away from traditional trade and capital flows. Such an approach is expected to foster resilient growth, enhance global competitiveness, and create a cycle of investment, job creation, and technology transfer.
ECI’s role in this transformative agenda was notably emphasized. As the UAE’s federal export credit company, ECI is instrumental in reducing risks and enabling greater capital participation by offering credit guarantees and financial solutions. This support is essential for major projects that demand substantial initial investments and long-term commitments, especially in sectors like renewable energy, infrastructure, and digital transformation.
Operating in 30 African countries, ECI assists UAE SMEs in integrating into African supply chains and supports sovereign-led infrastructure projects. The company has successfully brokered deals in sectors such as healthcare, emergency infrastructure, technology, and green energy, including solar and wind projects. ECI collaborates with Export Credit Agencies, Development Finance Institutions, and private markets to deliver innovative solutions.
The discussion also highlighted prominent UAE-led initiatives for sustainable development in Africa, particularly the ‘African Green Investment Initiative’ (AGII). Unveiled at the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi in September 2023, AGII is a multistakeholder partnership aimed at innovative climate finance by leveraging partner resources, expertise, and local insights.
Towards the end of the session, ECI’s contribution to the UAE’s global clean energy agenda was underscored. During COP28, the UAE committed USD 4.5 billion to accelerate clean energy projects in Africa, with ECI providing USD 500 million in credit insurance to mitigate risks and attract private capital, reinforcing its dedication to global sustainable development.
This second edition of The Africa Debate hosted by the UAE underscores its expanding economic ties with Africa, showcasing the UAE as the leading GCC investor in the continent. Following ten successful editions in London, Dubai hosted the 2024 forum, further cementing the UAE’s role in fostering Africa’s economic growth.
