Several African ministers and officials shared with a prominent publication that the UAE is eager to invest in Africa and genuinely aims to assist nations across the continent. During the International Forum for Advancing the African Economy (FOGECA), which concluded recently in Dubai, they highlighted the commendable support the UAE provides to African development. They emphasized that Dubai acts as a vital link between African capitals and global markets, positioning itself as the beating heart of the Middle East and a gateway for African nations to the world. They noted that the UAE’s achievements in establishing comprehensive economic partnership agreements internationally serve as a reputable model.
Major Projects
Abdullah Job, the Minister of Tourism and Culture from The Gambia, remarked that the UAE is keen on investing in Africa and has a sincere desire to assist local countries. He mentioned that Dubai’s hosting of the International Forum for Advancing the African Economy opens up opportunities for all African nations to invest and develop projects across various sectors. He pointed out that substantial investments are anticipated in areas like energy, mining, hospitality, and logistics.
He added that the services sector is well-established and allows for significant project development. The conference in Dubai unites numerous countries with a diverse group of investors, which fosters real opportunities for building and forming economic partnerships. Such forums, he noted, are beneficial for the African economy.
He continued by asserting that the progress the UAE has made in recent years, along with multiple comprehensive economic partnership agreements with various African countries, has solidified its presence on the continent and enhanced its role as a hub connecting African economies to the global economy. He recalled a positive experience last summer when he was invited to participate in a conference sponsored by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Trade, highlighting Dubai as an inspiring model for trade and economic diversification.
Comprehensive Partnership
Furthermore, Ibrahim Tiam, the Minister of Trade and Industry in Senegal, noted the significant advancements in economic relations between the UAE and Senegal in recent years, citing the signing of 13 memoranda of understanding across different sectors in recent weeks, which paves the way for a comprehensive economic partnership between the two nations.
He emphasized that Senegal’s Vision 2050 plan distinctly relies on quality economic relationships with various nations, particularly the UAE. Tiam affirmed that Dubai acts as a bridge between African companies and their Emirati counterparts, as well as firms from the broader Middle East region.
He added that the hosting of FOGECA in Dubai aligns perfectly with Senegal’s ambition of positioning the private African sector as a key player in economic transformation. Senegal fully supports the forum and is committed to continuous growth.
Baboucar Ousmaila, the Deputy Minister of Defense from The Gambia, expressed to the publication that during his brief visit to the UAE, he regretted not having the time to explore other emirates, but found Dubai to be a vibrant city bustling with activity. He mentioned that Dubai exemplifies significant progress in economic and commercial terms.
He reiterated that the support the UAE extends to African nations and development initiatives is remarkable, and added that Dubai is an advanced economic trading gateway to the world. Renowned businessman Mohamed Jeng, CEO of 1XBET in Senegal, shared his experience of having moved to Dubai five years ago, where he found unparalleled support in establishing a real estate development company.
Jeng noted that Dubai’s flexible regulations and streamlined processes have made it a beacon for economic, real estate, and commercial development in the Middle East. He highlighted Dubai’s world-class airports, ports, and infrastructure as critical elements for successful international business.
Amadou Dian, the President of FOGECA, stated that Dubai’s hosting of the forum significantly contributed to achieving noteworthy successes that had not been seen in previous editions. The participation of many African ministers showcases the forum’s great momentum, as several African countries attended to learn how to benefit from the UAE’s experience and advancements, particularly in Dubai. Dian reaffirmed that Dubai serves as the dynamic hub of the Middle East and the gateway for African nations to the global landscape, facilitating interactions between African entrepreneurs and Emirati investors.
Mama Dou Ba, the second advisor at the Senegalese embassy in the UAE, confirmed that relations between the UAE and Senegal have made substantial progress with the new Senegalese government. She noted that FOGECA reflects the strength of trade and economic ties between Dubai and various African countries, underlining the high-level participation from ministers and the significance of discussions held during the forum.
She remarked that the UAE’s success in establishing comprehensive economic partnerships internationally is a commendable model. Halima Sow, an entrepreneur from Senegal, expressed her familiarity with the UAE and her successful establishment of a perfume and incense company in Dubai, which has thrived, while also promoting Emirati culture within the Senegalese community.
Sow stated that Dubai is a gateway for African businesses to the world, highlighting its capabilities, infrastructure, airports, and air connections to various global capitals that draw entrepreneurs and companies from Africa. She emphasized that FOGECA aims to strengthen commercial relations between the UAE and African countries, especially Senegal, noting the plethora of investment opportunities in Africa and the success stories of many Senegalese entrepreneurs who have launched ventures in Dubai and expanded globally.
Economic Expertise
Aboubacar Gallo, a well-known Senegalese journalist specializing in economic matters, highlighted the urgent need for African countries to benefit from the UAE’s global economic and commercial expertise, noting the tremendous advancements in various UAE economic sectors. He recalled visiting Dubai during “Expo 2020” and expressed admiration for the striking transformation that took place in just five years, categorizing it as a remarkable achievement.
Gallo affirmed that Dubai’s organization, development, and legal frameworks meet high standards, making it a model worthy of respect, particularly in terms of ease in establishing businesses and visa processes that reflect the country’s civilized progress, with Dubai being comparable to any European nation in its governance and regulations.