By investing in the economy, UAE has potential to influence human development in the DR Congo

By Fidel Amakye Owusu

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has undergone a remarkable evolution from a desert-based economy to one of the most economically diverse states in West Asia. This transformation has garnered widespread acclaim for its forward-thinking leadership and the progressive environment it has fostered.

Central to this shift is a steadfast commitment to human development. The nation has constructed modern educational institutions and made substantial investments in its workforce. Despite a relatively modest domestic population, it has attracted a significant number of foreign residents, many of whom have benefited from skill development initiatives.

However, the UAE’s gaze has extended beyond its borders, particularly towards Africa, as its economic footprint expands. This interest encompasses Africa’s abundant natural resources, including fertile land, with ventures such as grain farms in Sudan.

The recent announcement of a US$1.9 billion mining contract with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) underscores the potential impact of such partnerships. This agreement involves the development of multiple mines across two provinces, including the volatile South Kivu region. Although specific minerals have not been disclosed, the DR Congo’s vast resource wealth is well-documented.

A previous agreement granted exclusive export rights for certain minerals extracted through artisanal methods in the DR Congo. While the finer details of these deals remain undisclosed, it is imperative for the UAE to prioritize and support human development initiatives in the central African country, particularly in mining regions.

Such investments could yield long-term benefits for both the involved companies and the broader economic relations between the UAE and Africa. Presently, the human development indicators in the DR Congo are among the lowest globally, with educational opportunities severely lacking, particularly in artisanal mining communities where child labor is prevalent.

The prevalence of violence adds another layer of complexity, posing risks to investments despite efforts to bolster physical security. An undereducated and disenfranchised youthful population is a potential powder keg, highlighting the importance of sustainable development interventions.

The UAE possesses both leverage and a moral obligation to ensure that its partnership with the DR Congo contributes positively to the well-being of its populace. Initiatives aimed at building schools, hospitals, and research facilities, akin to those successfully implemented in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, could be transformative.

Ultimately, truly beneficial investments must extend beyond benefiting only the elite segments of host countries, fostering inclusive growth and sustainable development for all.

Fidel Amakye Owusu is an International Relations and Security Analyst. He is an Associate at the Conflict Research Consortium for Africa and has previously hosted an International Affairs program with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). He is passionate about Diplomacy and realizing Africa’s global potential and how the continent should be viewed as part of the global collective.