Heads of state, 17 ministers, high-ranking government officials and prominent business leaders from Africa have confirmed their participation for the fifth edition of the Global Business Forum Africa (GBF Africa), which takes place on November 18 -19 in Dubai.

Among the high-level attendees taking part in the Forum are George Weah, President of Liberia; Danny Faure, President of Seychelles; and 17 ministers from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Namibia, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Senegal, Uganda, Malawi, Congo, Tanzania, Niger and Liberia.

Photo: George Weah, President of Liberia

There is also a high-level public and private sector stakeholders from several other African countries, including former heads of state, CEOs, entrepreneurs, industry experts and economists.

Photo: Danny Faure, President of Seychelles

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is organising GBF Africa 2019 under the theme “Scale Up Africa”, underlining the important role of cross border cooperation in supporting and accelerating’s Africa’s next phase of sustainable economic growth and development.

“Since its inception, GBF Africa has served as a catalyst for UAE-Africa economic cooperation and business exchange. The upcoming edition of the forum will highlight new high-potential areas where African companies can collaborate with their UAE counterparts to create new business opportunities and capitalise on existing trade and investment potential,” said Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber. 

Dubai-Africa non-oil trade has increased steadily in recent years, amounting to AED 136.6 billion in 2018, a trend that reflects the expanding trade ties and growing business confidence on both sides, Buamim added.

Beyond high-level speakers and participants, GBF Africa 2019 offers a comprehensive programme delving into key trends and technologies reshaping African economies, with interactive sessions and panel discussions putting a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, game-changing partnerships, success stories, opportunities and challenges.

Earlier this year, Dubai Chamber launched its Africa Gateway portal, an online platform offering UAE businessmen valuable insights and up-to-date information on several promising African markets.

In addition, the Chamber launched the GBF Mentorship Programme – a new initiative designed to facilitate cooperation between startup communities in Africa and the UAE, with selected participants given an opportunity to showcase their businesses at GBF Africa 2019.