Saudi Arabia Seeks Strategic Partnerships and Resource Security in East Africa

Saudi Arabia's interest in East Africa is not just about investment opportunities, but also about strategic partnerships and securing resources. The country's Public Investment Fund (PIF) has invested over $900 billion in various sectors, including urban development, manufacturing, tourism, and renewable energy.

The PIF's investments are part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 plan to diversify its economy beyond oil. The fund has also established Manara Minerals in 2023 to invest in mining assets overseas, targeting minerals such as copper, nickel, and lithium.

Saudi Arabia is positioning itself for a larger role in the global critical-minerals race, with Africa being an important part of this calculation. The country needs minerals such as cobalt, copper, and lithium to support its ambitions in electric vehicles and renewable energy.