Businesses in the UAE are expanding their attention on Africa as they see development prospects developing across the continent. UAE-Africa relations are steadily expanding, backed by many significant developments such as enhanced connectivity and business trust, economic reforms and regional integration.

The extension of direct flights between the UAE and major African cities, the signing of strategic partnership agreements and the relaxing of visa restrictions are all important factors that accelerate bilateral business exchanges. A recent analysis by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry estimates that the currently untapped potential of UAE exports to Africa is valued at $3.6 billion – a figure that reflects the vast potential of business opportunities that UAE companies can capitalise on.

Dubai 's continuing attempts to improve its status as a gateway to African markets have played a crucial role in constructing new bridges to economic cooperation. The Emirate's trade and investment relationship with Africa has evolved from strength to strength in recent years, with more African businesses joining the UAE, as many UAE firms have extended their reach across the continent.

The UAE is one of Africa's leading sources of foreign investment, and the country is primarily promoting the economic growth of the continent by financing infrastructure projects and filling demand holes in fast-growing sectors of the African economy, from transport to power generation and telecommunications. Such developments present a wealth of opportunities for UAE companies that have the expertise, capabilities, resources and investment needed to meet these demands and support Africa’s sustainable economic growth. Retail, real estate, travel, logistics and financial services are among the main economic sectors in which UAE firms are joining the African market.

There is an enormous opportunity to extend the reach of bilateral trade and investment to other sectors and areas of shared concern, such as fintech, artificial intelligence, digital transformation, blockchain and smart city solutions. Dubai Chamber and its representative offices across the African continent are well placed to support companies in Dubai that want to focus on market prospects that are developing across the continent.

In addition , the latest introduction of the African Continental Free Trade Region (ACFTA) is expected to further open up African markets and improve UAE-African trade and investment flows. At a time of increasing threats to free trade, we see this as a promising step that could eventually contribute to a new period of international collaboration and integration. Beyond the high-caliber of speakers and participants, this year’s forum puts the spotlight on the important role that African startups are playing in fostering innovation, changing reality on the ground and reshaping the continent’s future. It has become clear that entrepreneurs alone cannot revitalize Africa as they require the support of large businesses and the public sector.