The United Arab Emirates is strengthening its presence across East Africa’s maritime gateways through a wave of port investments, long-term concessions and logistics partnerships aimed at securing strategic trade corridors.
Emirati operators — notably DP World and AD Ports Group — have expanded their footprint in countries including Somalia, Tanzania and Egypt, targeting multipurpose terminals, container facilities and integrated logistics zones.
Recent years have seen major concessions secured at strategic coastal locations, providing UAE-linked firms with long-term operational control and investment opportunities in port modernisation, infrastructure upgrades and hinterland connectivity. These projects are designed to enhance cargo efficiency, boost trade volumes and position East African ports as competitive transshipment and export hubs.
Analysts say the UAE’s push aligns with its broader strategy to diversify global trade routes and secure supply chain resilience, particularly along the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean corridor. The region’s growing population, expanding consumer markets and rising commodity exports make East Africa an attractive destination for long-term infrastructure capital.
While host governments welcome the inflow of investment and technical expertise, the expanding Emirati footprint also reflects intensifying competition among global powers for influence over critical maritime chokepoints. As projects advance, the UAE’s role in shaping East Africa’s port and logistics landscape is expected to deepen further.