By Modupe Gbadeyanka
No fewer than five Heads of State, 12 ministers, and more than 1,000 top-level government and corporate decision-makers and industry experts are expected at this year’s 4th Global Business Forum on Africa taking place in Dubai.
The forum, organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, is slated for November 1 and 2, 2017, with the theme ‘Next Generation Africa.’
The two-day event will examine the current economic outlook for the continent, and explore prospects for its development, as well as investment opportunities and the potential for forging partnerships between African businesses and their UAE counterparts.
The programme will bring together high-profile attendees such as Mr Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda; Mr Danny Faure, President of the Republic of Seychelles; Mr Yoweri Museveni, President of the Republic of Uganda; Mrs Ameenah Gurib-Fakim, President of the Republic of Mauritius; and Mr Edgar Lungu, President of Zambia; along with a long list of ministers, senior government officials, young African entrepreneurs, economic and industry experts.
Commenting on the forthcoming event, President and CEO of the Dubai Chamber, Mr Hamad Buamim, noted that the timing of the forum was ideal as Africa is currently witnessing a sizeable uptick in private-sector led development and investment opportunities.
“This year’s Global Business Forum on Africa is drawing an unprecedented top-tier attendance, including distinguished African heads of state and ministers, to discuss a variety of key trends that are expected to drive Africa’s next phase of economic growth, as well as challenges and opportunities that fast-growing markets on the continent are experiencing,” Mr Buamim said.
The two-day event welcomes a host of ministers from various African countries, including Benin, Burkina Faso, Gambia, Ghana, Malawi, Mali, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sudan, Uganda and Zambia.
Established in 1965, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a non-profit public entity, whose mission is to represent, support and protect the interests of the business community in Dubai by creating a favourable business environment, supporting the development of business, and by promoting Dubai as an international business hub.
Adedapo Adesanya