The UAE has announced a USD 6 billion investment plan targeting Africa’s tourism and travel economy, with a strong emphasis on aviation, air connectivity and related infrastructure. The announcement was made during the UAE Africa Tourism Investment Summit 2025 in Dubai, where aviation featured as a pillar of the continent’s tourism growth strategy.
The investment mapping unveiled by the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism includes major aviation, logistics and infrastructure projects expected to support improved air access across Africa. Expanded air connectivity was highlighted as a shared priority among ministers from more than 20 African countries, who issued a joint statement committing to strengthening aviation links as part of wider tourism cooperation.
According to H.E. Abdulla bin Touq Al Marri, enhanced aviation networks and modernised air transport infrastructure are essential for unlocking Africa’s tourism potential and enabling the USD 6 billion investment pipeline. The initiative is expected to stimulate new routes, support airport and logistics upgrades and contribute to an estimated 70,000 jobs across the travel and aviation value chain.
With attention now shifting to the Future Hospitality Summit Africa in 2026, aviation is expected to remain central as governments and investors explore how improved air connectivity can accelerate tourism growth and drive long-term economic impact across the continent.
