Abu Dhabi Investment Office and Idris Elba Partner for Food and Water Security 

Source: WAM

This collaboration aims to harness Abu Dhabi's leadership in global food production and water treatment, driven by sustainable technological solutions. The partnership follows the launch of the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, addressing the critical issue of water scarcity on a global scale.

With the goal of expediting their development and deployment, the newly established partnership with Elba, through his impact investment firm The Akuna Group (TAG), will spotlight Abu Dhabi's pioneering efforts in novel food development, agricultural innovation, and water treatment technologies. Abu Dhabi aims to lead in onshore cultivation of high-value microalgae, offshore farming of essential fish stocks, and innovative reverse osmosis water treatment.

TAG is dedicated to fostering African industries and entrepreneurship through strategic partnerships, impact investments, innovative technologies, and advisory services, both within and beyond the continent.

As an initial step, Elba will engage in global dialogues and awareness campaigns to inspire and accelerate the transformation of food and water systems, using Abu Dhabi as a model for driving positive economic and social change for future generations. These endeavors will also involve collaborations with global institutions to showcase the worldwide impact of Abu Dhabi's forward-looking initiatives.

Badr Al Olama, Director-General of ADIO, remarked, "By transforming challenges into opportunities, Abu Dhabi aims to lead in innovation in food and water production, sustainability, and growth. In collaboration with our partners, we continue to pioneer and implement cutting-edge solutions addressing global nutritional and environmental challenges. Our partnership with Mr. Elba will play a crucial role in reimagining the future of food and water, both regionally and globally."

Idris Elba, President and Founder of The Akuna Group, added, "Inspired by the visionary frameworks that have shaped the United Arab Emirates, we embark on a global journey to create a better future for all. By collaborating with innovators, engineers, and tech entrepreneurs dedicated to tackling the world's most pressing challenges, we aim to build on the UAE's ambitious spirit and discover new solutions that drive positive economic and social change."

ADIO remains committed to fostering Abu Dhabi's economic growth, envisioning a future where progress aligns with purpose to address the world's most urgent challenges and promote universal well-being. Providing attractive investment opportunities for local, regional, and international stakeholders, ADIO prioritizes the development of advanced value-added technologies, including those related to food and water sustainability, access, and supply.

ADIO's initiatives directly support the nation's strategies for ensuring national well-being, including the National Food Security Strategy 2051, which aims to make the UAE the world's leading nation on the Global Food Security Index, and the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, which seeks sustainable access to water under all conditions. The Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, launched recently, aims to raise awareness of the severity of water scarcity and accelerate technological innovation and international investment to address its challenges.