The Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry has announced an AED 100 million investment to improve awareness of trade and investment possibilities in Africa, as well as to promote Dubai as an appealing commercial center for firms on the continent.

Over the last five years, the Chamber has increased its efforts to enhance commercial links between Dubai and Africa by creating four representative offices across the continent and hosting the Global Business Forum on Africa in Dubai.

Other activities undertaken by the Chamber in recent years include the organization of frequent trade missions to African countries, the conduct of specialized research and studies, and the development of the Africa Gateway app to increase members' access to opportunities emerging in the fast-growing market.

According to Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber, Dubai's non-oil trade with Africa has increased to more than AED 700 billion in the last five years, while 10,000 African companies have joined Dubai Chamber during the same time period, bringing the total number of African businesses registered with the Chamber to more than 17,000 people.

The Global Business Forum on Africa, presented by Dubai Chamber, is the largest event of its type held outside of Africa, and it remains one of the most high-profile worldwide forums dedicated to examining investment prospects in fast-growing African markets.

The title of this year's conference, 'Next Generation Africa,' addressed the role of young African entrepreneurs who are boosting economic growth and creating ties and collaborations with firms all over the world. In addition, seminars focused on how technology and digitalization are changing African economies and addressing the demands of a burgeoning middle class.