UAE Emerges as Africa’s Fourth-Largest Investor Amid Wealth Sector Diversification

The UAE has become the fourth-largest investor in Africa, signaling a shift in financial partnerships. Wealth managers in Nigeria and South Africa are navigating a complex landscape of debt distress while pivoting toward digital assets.

In 2026, the African funds sector is poised for growth through global partnerships with the GCC and US. Mauritius and South Africa are seeing a rise in private wealth services that focus on ESG-compliant investments. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, portfolio flows are turning positive as investors seek exposure to Africa's digital economy. Middle powers are increasingly providing competitive financing, offering African governments more strategic choices in funding infrastructure.