Abu Dhabi, July 17 (IANS):  A high-level delegation from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has visited nine African countries to explore investment opportunities there, the WAM news agency said Friday.

The government is looking to invest in the energy, agriculture, food and infrastructure sectors in Zambia, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Malawi and Tanzania, among others, the report said.

The group held talks with the foreign ministers of the African countries on the prospects of joint cooperation in the economic, trade and investment fields.

The African ministers highlighted the relations of their respective countries with the UAE and lauded the Islamic nation for winning the race to set up the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi.

Isa Al Basha Al Nuaimi, director African affairs department in the UAE foreign ministry, said IRENA will create opportunities for African nations to tap renewable energy sources.