Aliko Dangote Confirms His Attendance to the 2nd Africa Global Business Forum in Dubai
The 2nd Africa Global Business Forum will be taking place in Dubai from October 1st to 2nd at the Atlantis The Palm. The event is an invitation only event and in attendance will a delegation of high-level policy makers operating on the global scenes. The participants will include African Heads of State, Ministers, CEOs operating on the global scene, heads of private banks, private equity firms and sovereign wealth funds.
The forum has been organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
The forum will draw African Head of States and business leaders to explore various ways to form partnerships and exploit opportunities between Africa and Dubai. Aliko Dangote, Africa richest man, has confirmed his attendance at the forum. Dangote and other African business leaders will draw out the story of the fast changes and integrations happening between Africa and Dubai, by pointing out tangible insights between the two regions with respect to the challenges, opportunities and synergies in play.
“The participation of prominent speakers from Africa reflects on the importance of the forum being held in Dubai. This will lead to enhanced bilateral relationship between the emirates and leading countries of the African continent,” said, Hamad Buamim, President & CEO, Dubai Chamber.
Buamin further pointed out that Aliko Dangote’s attendance at the forum will better serve to enrich the discussions, with regards to his rich experience and ideas which will go a long way in terms of the business leaders in attendance exchanging beneficial ideas.
Dubai has grown to become a major trading partner to Africa, as the emirate’s non-oil trade with Africa increased by 141%, from 2008 when it stood at AED 37.9 billion to 2013 where it stood at AED 91.3 billion ($23 billion). Statistics held by the Dubai Chamber indicate that the number of African companies doing business in Dubai has risen by 171%, since 2008 to mid-2014.
The African companies operate in the following sectors in Dubai: Trade – 60%, Construction – 14.8%, Logistics – 8.2%, Real Estate – 8.1%, Manufacturing – 2.5%, Agriculture – 0.2% and Tourism & Hospitality – 0.9%. Currently, there are 414 Nigerian companies operating in Dubai and registered with the Dubai Chamber.
Emirates Airline, which currently serves 21 major African destination with an additional 4 cargo destinations and flydubai which serves 6 destinations in major African countries, have shown their support for the Africa and Dubai forum.
International speakers at the forum will include: Paul Kagame – President of Rwanda, Armando Guebuza – President of the Republic of Mozambique, Amama Mbabazi – Prime Minister of Uganda, Donald Kaberuka – President African Development Bank Group, Stephen Schwarzman – Chairman & CEO The Blackstone Group, Tony Fernandes – Group CEO Air Asia.
Emirate’s speakers will include: H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum – Chairman & CEO of Emirates Airline & Group, H.E Sultan Al Mansoori – UAE Minister of Economy, H.E. Reem Al Hashimy – UAE Minister of State & Managing Director of Dubai Expo 2020, H.E Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem – Chairman, DP, H.E Mohammed I. Al Shaibani – Executive Director & CEO of Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), , among others.
The forum has organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the content developed by the Economists Events, and Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD) as the forum title partner and Julphar as strategic partner. Dubai Islamic Bank and Nakheel as the gold sponsors, Dubai Investments as a silver sponsor and Standard Bank and ECOWAS as official partners.