Azerbaijan is set to expand its investment footprint across Africa, as President Ilham Aliyev announced during the 3rd Global Media Forum held in Shusha. The president emphasized that the country, having achieved economic self-sufficiency through its oil and gas industry, is now focused on deepening trade and investment relations with African nations.
Speaking to over 140 media professionals and government delegates from 52 countries, President Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s interest in identifying viable sectors for investment in Africa. “Our investment portfolio outside Azerbaijan exceeds $20 billion, and with the vast potential African countries offer, we can create a powerful synergy,” he said.
Aliyev recalled his recent interactions with African leaders at the COP29 summit, where he urged them to present a list of priority areas for collaboration. He affirmed Azerbaijan’s readiness to deploy both state-owned and private firms to launch projects across the continent. “We are actively working on that,” he noted.
The president also pointed to Azerbaijan’s growing international standing, citing its rising economic strength and expanding global partnerships. “We just started, and we aim to follow global trends. We want to be among the front runners,” he said.
Azerbaijan’s interest in Africa also includes a renewed focus on bilateral relations with Kenya. Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President and head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs, told Citizen Digital that bilateral ties with Kenya will be a key part of the broader Africa engagement strategy. He confirmed that this process will be supported by Azerbaijan’s newly opened embassy in Nairobi, which was officially launched on June 3, 2025.
The forum, themed Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI, also addressed global media trends and digital transformation. It drew representatives from 30 news agencies, 80 media entities, and seven international organizations.
Azerbaijan’s pivot towards Africa reflects a broader strategy to diversify its global investments and foster new partnerships beyond its traditional economic spheres.
