As the custodian of Islam’s two holiest sites, Saudi Arabia wields significant symbolic influence over the global Muslim community. In Africa, where Islam is one of the dominant religions, the kingdom historically focused its foreign policy on promoting its Wahhabi interpretation of Islam through religious education and philanthropy. This approach often aimed to counter Iranian efforts to spread Shia Islam on the continent.

However, in 2017, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS) announced a seismic shift in Saudi Arabia’s identity and foreign policy. As part of the Vision 2030 economic project, he declared the kingdom’s embrace of “moderate Islam,” signaling a move away from Wahhabism and towards nationalism. This rebranding has shaped Saudi Arabia’s evolving geopolitical strategy, with its engagement in Africa increasingly driven by economic and political goals rather than religious motives.

The Rise of Sports Diplomacy

For decades, Saudi Arabia’s economy relied heavily on oil revenues. Recognizing the impending global transition to a green economy, MbS introduced Vision 2030 to diversify the kingdom’s economy and reduce its dependence on hydrocarbons. This ambitious plan includes significant investments in sports, a sector that offers economic opportunities and bolsters Saudi Arabia’s influence on the global stage.

Since 2021, the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF)—the world’s fifth-largest sovereign wealth fund—has spent at least $6.3 billion on sports initiatives. These investments include acquiring Newcastle United F.C., hosting international events like Formula 1 and the Asia Cup 2027, and securing the rights to host the 2034 FIFA World Cup. High-profile player signings, such as Cristiano Ronaldo with a record-breaking $200 million annual salary, highlight Saudi Arabia’s effort to project soft power and reshape its global image.

Africa has become a critical component of this strategy. The continent is home to 54 FIFA members, representing a substantial voting bloc in the decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup. The kingdom has leveraged sports diplomacy to strengthen ties with Africa, hosting the 2024 Africa Super Cup Final and sponsoring the African Football League through its “Visit Saudi” tourism initiative. Additionally, top African players, including Senegal’s Sadio Mané and Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, now compete in the Saudi Pro League, deepening the cultural and economic connections between Saudi Arabia and Africa.

A New Era of Investment in Africa

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has intensified its engagement with Africa, underscored by the inaugural Saudi-Africa Summit held last year. The event, attended by over 50 African heads of state and officials, marked a turning point in the kingdom’s foreign policy. Africa’s importance to Riyadh extends beyond diplomatic ties—it is central to Saudi Arabia’s aspirations for global leadership and the fulfillment of Vision 2030.

The kingdom has targeted three key areas for investment in Africa: natural resources, renewable energy, and infrastructure. At the third edition of the Future Minerals Forum in January, Saudi Arabia announced plans to invest $15 billion in mining projects globally, focusing heavily on Africa. Agreements with mineral-rich countries like Namibia, Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo exemplify this commitment. Additionally, the PIF’s joint venture, Manara Minerals, expressed interest in acquiring a 30% stake in Zambia’s copper mines.

Energy and agriculture also feature prominently in Saudi Arabia’s Africa strategy. During the Saudi-Africa Summit, MbS pledged to have Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil company, refurbish Nigeria’s long-dormant refineries. On the agricultural front, the kingdom, which imports roughly 80% of its food, views Africa’s 60% share of the world’s uncultivated arable land as a critical resource for securing its future food supply. A $3 billion investment in African agriculture underscores Riyadh’s commitment to addressing its food security challenges, with recent discussions involving Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture highlighting plans to expand cooperation in this sector.

Strengthening Saudi-Africa Relations

Many African nations have grown disillusioned with the West’s perceived condescension and rigid policies, turning instead to partners like China and Russia, whose approaches often prioritize sovereignty and eschew moral lecturing. Saudi Arabia has an opportunity to differentiate itself by fostering respectful and mutually beneficial relationships.

To succeed, Riyadh must learn from past mistakes made by Western powers. By promoting sustainable development, addressing Africa’s significant infrastructure gap (estimated at $150 billion annually), and collaborating on counterterrorism efforts, Saudi Arabia can build lasting goodwill. Investments in mining and infrastructure, particularly in resource-rich regions like the Congo and underdeveloped areas like the Sahel, can provide tangible benefits to both Saudi Arabia and Africa.

Equally important is Saudi Arabia’s engagement with Africa’s youth, who represent a vast majority of the continent’s population. Programs that train workers, like those already implemented in South Africa, should be expanded. Sports, especially football, offer a powerful platform for connecting with African communities, fostering cultural exchange, and strengthening diplomatic ties.

However, Saudi Arabia’s efforts must also address human rights concerns, particularly regarding the treatment of African migrant workers in the kingdom. Ensuring basic rights and protections for these workers is essential for building trust and credibility in Africa.

A Shared Vision for Progress

By approaching African nations with respect and collaboration rather than condescension, Saudi Arabia can establish durable partnerships that benefit both sides. Investments in infrastructure, sustainable development, and cultural diplomacy align with the kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals while supporting Africa’s aspirations for growth and prosperity.

In this multipolar world, Riyadh’s potential as a middle power lies in its ability to balance ambition with responsibility, leveraging its resources to create a shared future of progress and opportunity for both Saudi Arabia and Africa.