Dubai hosted the seventh African Emirati Business Summit at the Carlton Tower Hotel in Dubai, under the patronage and presence of Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in the Government of Ras Al Khaimah, Mr. Ndo Kwaku Ngoitia Henri Joel, Coordinator of the Agricultural Emergency Project in the Government of Côte d’Ivoire, and Linda Benallal, the conference organizer and owner of LBM Project Management services Company Dubai in cooperation with the Star Group international Côte d’Ivoire. The summit aimed to attract mutual investments between the UAE on the one hand and African countries on the other hand, with the participation of several African countries, including: Morocco, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, China, India France and Pakistan. The UAE-Africa Business Summit covered a wide range of topics aimed at strengthening economic and trade relations between Africa and the United Arab Emirates, and the main focus areas included:
- Investment Opportunities: Discussions focused on strategic investments in vital minerals, renewable energy projects and infrastructure development to support growth in Africa.
- Digital Economy and Technology: The sessions explored the enhancement of Digital Economy in Africa, Fostering Innovation, and Strengthening Digital Banking Systems to Drive Economic Growth.
- Agribusiness and Sustainability: The summit highlighted the potential of agribusiness partnerships and strategies to address food security issues while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Energy Sector: Discussions on navigating Africa’s energy future, with a focus on renewable energy and expanding energy access in underserved areas.
- Women’s Empowerment: Special sessions highlighted the role of women’s economic empowerment as a catalyst for trade and impactful business between Africa and the UAE.
- Trade and Regional Integration: The summit promoted trade, investment facilitation, and Africa’s connectivity to global supply chains through Special Economic Zones.
These themes reflect the collaborative vision to enhance partnerships between Africa and the UAE through innovation, sustainability and benefits. Linda Benalal, owner of L.M.P. Project Management Services, the conference organizer, said: “L.M.P. Project Management Services was established in partnership with Star Group Inter in Ivory Coast and has visited various African countries for several years to create new investment opportunities between those countries and the UAE. The company seeks to enhance cooperation with executives in African countries, companies, local communities and NGOs and to strengthen UAE-Africa economic relations by creating investment opportunities and building bridges of cooperation in various economic, educational, medical, technological and other fields.” Linda added: “Through our event, the Africa-UAE Conference, we bring together many development actors from different sectors and countries on the same stage to exchange experiences and ideas.
