Abu dhabi: The second edition of the Hili Regional Dialogue - Hili Africa Dialogue concluded in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. Organised by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) and the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy (AGDA), in cooperation with the Institute of Foreign Affairs - Ethiopia, the dialogue was held under the theme "UAE-Africa Dialogue: Towards Shared Future Horizons". It brought together officials, diplomats, experts, researchers, and representatives from government, academic, and research institutions from the UAE, Ethiopia, and several African countries.
According to Emirates News Agency, the dialogue, held over two days, marked a new milestone in the Hili Regional Dialogue series after its first edition in Latin America. It provided a strategic platform to examine the future of the UAE-Africa partnership amid transformations in the global economy, supply chains, food and energy security, technology, critical minerals, and investment and development patterns.
Participants emphasized that the dialogue goes beyond exploring cooperation opportunities, aiming to build a shared understanding of how these can be translated into sustainable institutional partnerships based on mutual respect, shared interests, and inclusion of African perspectives in shaping cooperation priorities and pathways.
The dialogue opened with the Hili Youth Dialogue, providing young voices and researchers a platform to discuss UAE-Africa relations, shared priorities, and opportunities to translate research ideas into practical initiatives. The session highlighted a joint study by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research and the Institute of Foreign Affairs - Ethiopia on strengthening UAE-Africa relations and expanding cooperation across sectors.
The opening ceremony featured remarks by Jafar Bedru, Executive Director of the Institute of Foreign Affairs - Ethiopia; Nickolay Mladenov, Director-General of the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy; and Dr. Ebtesam Al Teneiji, Deputy Director-General of the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research. The keynote address was delivered by Ambassador Hadera Berhe, State Minister for Political and Economic Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
Jafar Bedru highlighted the UAE as the Gulf's leading investor in Africa in sectors such as ports, logistics, energy, food security, and critical minerals. He called for a shift from short-term agreements to long-term institutional arrangements that withstand changing circumstances and global transformations.
Nickolay Mladenov emphasized that Africa is a strategic partner for the UAE, offering growth, talent, and diplomatic perspectives. He suggested that the UAE can act as a bridge connecting regions, capital, opportunities, technology, and development. He stressed the importance of transparency, respect for sovereignty, and inclusion of African perspectives in shaping partnership priorities.
Dr. Ebtesam Al Teneiji noted that connectivity has become a strategic advantage, not only geographically but in building resilience and creating long-term value. She pointed out that the UAE-Africa partnership is evolving towards long-term cooperation in sectors such as logistics, infrastructure, manufacturing, renewable energy, finance, agriculture, and technology.
In his keynote address, Ambassador Hadera Berhe noted the major geopolitical and economic transformations occurring globally, requiring new partnerships and ideas. He described Africa as an emerging driver of global growth, with the Africa-UAE partnership serving as a cooperation model based on mutual respect, shared benefits, and long-term commitment.
The first day also saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Anwar Gargash Diplomatic Academy and the Institute of Foreign Affairs - Ethiopia, reflecting their commitment to strengthening institutional and research cooperation, and supporting joint initiatives in diplomacy, strategic research, and capacity building.
The second day featured a keynote session with Rashed Abdulla Al Shehhi, Charg© d'Affaires at the UAE Embassy in Ethiopia, and Ambassador Dr. Martin Kimani, former Permanent Representative of Kenya to the United Nations. The session discussed transformations in the international system and opportunities for Africa to redefine its position in the global economy.
Four additional sessions addressed economic transformation and new trade partnerships, regional connectivity, advanced technologies, critical minerals, and opportunities for sustainable investment in agriculture and renewable energy.
Participants noted that UAE-Africa relations are gaining momentum, driven by a vision centered on sustainable development, economic connectivity, knowledge exchange, and investment in innovation and human capital. They stressed the importance of ongoing dialogue among governments, think tanks, and academic institutions for knowledge-based policymaking.
Ambassador Alfred K'Ombudo, Senior Advisor to the President of Kenya on Trade Policy, emphasized the need for clear policies and a stable business environment to attract investment to Africa. He highlighted the UAE's potential role in helping African countries attract global capital and invest in supply chains and logistics systems.
Discussions also focused on developing trade corridors, supply chains, and expanding cooperation in the digital economy, artificial intelligence, food security, and clean energy to support sustainable development and resilience.
Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Nigerian Minister of Mines and Steel Development, highlighted Africa's shift from being an aid recipient to an active partner shaping its development path. He emphasized the importance of governance, human capital investment, and policies catering to African citizens for sustainable development.
The dialogue concluded by underscoring the importance of building on the outcomes of the second edition of Hili Regional Dialogue by strengthening institutional cooperation, launching joint research, and dialogue initiatives to deepen the UAE-Africa strategic partnership, supporting sustainable development and shared prosperity.
Participants affirmed the dialogue's success in Addis Ababa has laid the foundation for a more sustainable path of UAE-Africa cooperation, based on knowledge, mutual respect, and translating ideas into initiatives that address future challenges and opportunities.