UBAI – A groundbreaking partnership between Emirates NBD and global technology giant Siemens may hold valuable lessons for African nations striving to finance and build sustainable infrastructure.
The two companies have launched an innovative finance and resourcing agreement aimed at accelerating green infrastructure projects across the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The initiative aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and showcases how financial and technological collaboration can drive long-term environmental goals.
Under the partnership, Emirates NBD has developed a customized credit framework and financing toolkit to support the full lifecycle of green infrastructure projects—from setup to operation and decarbonisation.
While the deal is centered in the Gulf, it offers a compelling case study for African countries grappling with similar challenges: how to fund and scale up climate-friendly infrastructure amidst rapid urbanization and energy demands.
“This collaboration with Siemens underscores our commitment to sustainable development and reflects our ambition to build strategic partnerships with global ESG leaders,” said Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD.
For many African governments and private sector players, the UAE model illustrates how banks and technology providers can work together to overcome traditional financing barriers. Africa’s infrastructure needs are vast—estimated at $130–$170 billion annually—with a significant portion required for sustainable energy, transport, and water systems.
Siemens, which also has a long-standing footprint in Africa, is urging faster global implementation of technologies that already exist. “Decarbonising infrastructure is essential to achieving the energy transition,” said Helmut von Struve, CEO of Siemens in the UAE. “We must move quickly from planning to execution.”
The deal also emphasizes private sector leadership in national sustainability agendas—an approach that resonates with African economies looking to unlock climate finance and attract investment through public-private partnerships.
With climate change already affecting food systems, water security, and health outcomes across the continent, Africa’s push toward green infrastructure is not just an environmental imperative—it’s a socioeconomic necessity. The Emirates NBD–Siemens model offers inspiration for how visionary finance can meet urgent development goals.
