Josh Weiner
Dubai recently held the prestigious Seventh African-Emirati Business Summit at the Carlton Tower Hotel, an event spotlighting growing economic partnerships between the United Arab Emirates and African nations. Hosted under the patronage of Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah, the summit welcomed key dignitaries, including Mr. Ndo Kwaku Ngoitia Henri Joel, Coordinator of Côte d’Ivoire’s Agricultural Emergency Project, and Linda Benallal, the event organizer and owner of LBM Project Management Services Company.
Organized in collaboration with Star Group International Côte d’Ivoire, the summit served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and investment between the UAE and several African nations. Countries represented included Morocco, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, as well as international participants from China, India, France, and Pakistan.
Key Themes of the Summit
The summit’s agenda centered on fostering stronger economic and trade relationships, emphasizing innovation, sustainability, and regional integration. Key focus areas included:
- Investment Opportunities: Exploring strategic investments in Africa’s critical sectors such as renewable energy, infrastructure, and mineral resources.
- Digital Economy and Technology: Promoting innovation and the development of digital banking systems to enhance economic growth across African nations.
- Agribusiness and Sustainability: Highlighting partnerships to address food security challenges and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
- Energy Development: Discussing Africa’s renewable energy potential and strategies to expand access to underserved regions.
- Women’s Empowerment: Fostering women’s leadership as a catalyst for trade and economic progress between the UAE and Africa.
- Trade and Regional Integration: Strengthening Africa’s connectivity to global supply chains and advancing trade through special economic zones.
Bridging Continents Through Cooperation
Linda Benallal, organizer and owner of LBM Project Management Services, reflected on the summit’s mission, stating, “Our goal is to enhance cooperation between African countries and the UAE by creating investment opportunities and building bridges across various sectors such as education, healthcare, technology, and more.”
She further emphasized that her company, in collaboration with Star Group International, has been actively working across Africa for years, cultivating relationships with local governments, businesses, and NGOs. Through initiatives like the Africa-UAE Conference, the summit convenes diverse development leaders to share insights and experiences on a unified platform.
This year’s summit not only underscored the growing economic ties between the UAE and Africa but also reaffirmed a shared commitment to innovation, sustainability, and inclusive growth.
