Dubai firms expand African partnerships

Dubai Chamber of Commerce concluded a series of trade missions across Africa, facilitating 1,460 bilateral business meetings in Ghana, Ethiopia and South Africa as part of efforts to expand the international reach of Dubai-based companies.

The initiative, led by Dubai Chamber of Commerce under Dubai Chambers, brought together 45 Dubai-based firms operating across multiple sectors with potential African partners.

The meetings were designed to support business expansion, encourage cross-border partnerships, and strengthen trade and investment flows between Dubai and key African markets.

Strong participation  

The chamber organised 276 meetings in Ghana, 510 in Ethiopia, and 674 in South Africa.

Alongside the meetings, business forums were held in each country, attracting 1,721 participants, including senior officials, business leaders, and representatives of local companies.

Officials said the forums aimed to deepen engagement between private sector players and identify new commercial opportunities across priority sectors.

Growing trade partner

H.E. Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, said Africa remained one of the most dynamic regions in the global economy.

He said the missions were helping to create “direct connections” between companies in Dubai and African markets, enabling new partnerships and supporting mutual economic growth.

Expanding trade ties

Dubai’s non-oil trade with Africa exceeded US$145.9bn in 2025, marking a 51% year-on-year increase. Between 2016 and 2025, total non-oil trade reached approximately US$657bn, rising by around 325% over the decade.

The growth is also reflected in business registrations, with more than 30,409 African companies listed as active members of the chamber in 2025—a 14.3% year-on-year increase.

Dubai International Chamber currently operates seven offices across Africa, supporting trade facilitation and identifying new investment opportunities.

The chamber said these offices continue to play a key role in strengthening economic ties between Dubai and African markets.