The 7th African-Emirati Business Summit unfolded at the Carlton Tower Hotel in Dubai, showcasing the UAE’s commitment to enhancing economic ties with African nations. The high-profile event was attended by Sheikh Salem bin Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of Ras Al Khaimah’s Department of Civil Aviation, alongside Mr. Ndo Kwaku Ngoitia Henri Joel, Coordinator of Côte d’Ivoire’s Agricultural Emergency Project, and Linda Benallal, CEO of LBM Project Management Services and the summit’s chief organizer.
The conference, organized in partnership with Star Group International of Côte d’Ivoire, brought together representatives from diverse nations, including Morocco, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, India, China, France, and Pakistan, to foster collaboration and mutual investments.
Pioneering Topics for Economic Collaboration
Key areas discussed during the summit included: 
- Strategic Investment Opportunities: Sessions focused on infrastructure development, critical minerals, and renewable energy, presenting Africa as a lucrative investment destination for UAE businesses.
- Advancing Digital Economies: Delegates explored avenues for improving digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and expanding digital banking solutions to drive growth.
- Agriculture and Sustainability: The summit highlighted sustainable farming practices and agribusiness partnerships to ensure food security and economic resilience.
- Energy Transformation: Discussions centered on Africa’s transition to renewable energy and the potential for expanding access in underserved regions.
- Women’s Economic Empowerment: Panels underscored the pivotal role of women in driving trade and business growth, emphasizing gender-inclusive economic strategies.
- Trade and Connectivity: The integration of Africa into global supply chains through special economic zones and enhanced trade facilitation was a major theme.
Driving Collaboration Through Vision
Linda Benallal, the driving force behind the summit, expressed the importance of creating a unified platform for dialogue.
“By hosting events like this, we are building bridges between the UAE and Africa, fostering innovation and enabling sustainable development. Our goal is to promote meaningful partnerships that benefit both regions across industries such as education, healthcare, agriculture, and technology,” she stated.
Her company, in collaboration with Star Group International, has been instrumental in identifying opportunities for growth by engaging with local communities, governments, and private enterprises in African nations.
The Path Forward
The summit reaffirmed Dubai’s position as a global hub for international collaboration. Through innovation, sustainability, and empowerment, the African-Emirati Business Summit continues to strengthen economic relations between the UAE and Africa, laying the groundwork for a shared future of prosperity.
