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From Energy to Influence: How the UAE is Reshaping Africa’s Oil and Gas Landscape

 

From Energy to Influence: How the UAE is Reshaping Africa’s Oil and Gas Landscape

Africa’s energy sector is undergoing a profound transformation — and the UAE is at the heart of it. With the latest acquisition by XRG, the international investment arm of ADNOC, the UAE has firmly planted its flag in Mozambique’s offshore Rovuma Basin, entering a gas market with world-changing potential.

XRG’s 10% stake in the Area 4 concession — home to the Coral South floating LNG facility and upcoming Coral North and Rovuma LNG projects — is a milestone in the UAE’s effort to diversify energy investments and ensure global energy security. It reflects more than a commercial ambition: it’s a strategic play that echoes the UAE’s rising influence in Africa’s political economy.

The UAE’s energy vision also includes Egypt, where in late 2024, XRG and bp joined forces to launch Arcius Energy, a platform dedicated to regional gas development. These dual tracks — Mozambique and Egypt — signal the UAE’s confidence in Africa’s long-term energy potential and a commitment to shared prosperity.

This expansion comes on the heels of a remarkable geopolitical shift. According to the Middle East Monitor, the UAE has surpassed China to become the largest source of foreign direct investment in Africa. From green hydrogen initiatives in Mauritania to massive port infrastructure projects in Guinea and Angola, the UAE’s investment profile is both wide-reaching and forward-looking.

And with African Energy Week 2025 on the horizon, the UAE’s leadership in oil, gas, and clean energy will be on full display. The conference in Cape Town will not only showcase UAE-backed projects but also serve as a platform for shaping the future of African energy, driven by innovation, strategic investment, and strong diplomatic engagement.

As energy markets evolve and global demand surges, the UAE is not just participating — it is leading, shaping Africa’s energy future and redefining what partnership means in a multipolar world.

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