Prime Highlights:
- The UAE sees Nigeria as a major destination for investments in agriculture, technology, infrastructure, mining, and trade, highlighting untapped opportunities for both countries.
- UAE Minister of Investment, Mohamed Alsuwaidi, emphasizes the importance of clear regulations and cooperation with Nigerian partners to unlock these opportunities.
Key Facts:
- Trade between the UAE and Nigeria reached $4.3 billion in non-oil commodities in 2025.
- The UAE is part of a growing trend of Gulf investors seeking new markets, positioning Nigeria as a hub for economic growth and regional trade.
Background:
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) sees Nigeria as an important place for big investments in agriculture, technology, infrastructure, mining, and trade. This shows growing Gulf interest in Africa’s largest economy.
Mohamed Alsuwaidi, the UAE’s Minister of Investment, said Gulf investment in Nigeria is still low and there are many opportunities that could help both countries grow. He made these comments at the first Investopia Africa event in Lagos on Monday, which brought together investors, government officials, and business leaders to discuss different opportunities.
Alsuwaidi emphasized that investments could range from hundreds of millions to several billion dollars, depending on sector readiness, regulatory clarity, and the availability of credible local partners. “Opportunities around agriculture are substantial,” he noted, referencing UAE investments in companies such as Louis-Dreyfus and Unigroup. “Investment in agricultural land for export purposes could reach a few hundred million dollars. Infrastructure, including public transport, power, water, and wastewater recycling, is also crucial, potentially attracting tens of millions in investment.”
He further highlighted technology, mining, and trade as sectors with significant potential. “The technology space is huge, from smart metering to fibre-optic networks, data centers, and cloud solutions; investments here could run into billions. Mining also presents a large opportunity, though it requires substantial infrastructure,” Alsuwaidi explained.
Trade between the UAE and Nigeria has already grown steadily, reaching $4.3 billion in non-oil commodities as of 2025, according to reports. Despite the optimism, Alsuwaidi cautioned that the pace of investment would depend on market familiarity, information flow, and the identification of reliable local partners.
During a talk with Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, they stressed the need for clear rules and good cooperation between Gulf investors and Nigerian partners to make these opportunities happen.
The UAE’s interest in Nigeria is part of Gulf investors looking for new markets, making Nigeria an important center for growth and trade.
