“Business Opportunities in Focus” : Dubai puts Africa at the heart of its expansion strategy

Organised on 21 January 2026, this event marked the inaugural meeting of the “In Focus” initiative, a platform developed by Dubai Chamber of Commerce to help local firms enter new international markets. The series is part of the broader “New Horizons” initiative, which will see trade missions to Ethiopia, Ghana and South Africa during the first half of this year.

“We are committed to empowering the business community to explore new growth horizons in promising international markets and helping companies build strategic partnerships that support business expansion and strengthen long‑term sustainability,” said His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, underlining the strategic goal of the initiative to provide companies with insights and expertise needed to navigate expansion while leveraging Dubai’s strengths as a global business hub.

Strong Commercial Momentum

The figures presented during the session underline the strength of Dubai’s expanding trade relationships with key African economies. In 2024, non‑oil trade between Dubai and Ethiopia reached approximately AED 6.6 billion (about $1.8 billion USD), representing annual growth of 90 %. Non‑oil trade with Ghana rose to AED 24.7 billion (approximately $6.7 billion USD), an increase of 75 %, while trade with South Africa, one of Dubai’s major African trade partners, registered 20 % growth to AED 29 billion (around $7.9 billion USD).

These figures reflect a solid and growing commercial relationship with three strategically important markets. Ethiopia continues to register some of the continent’s highest growth rates, driven by public investment and sectoral reforms. Ghana is diversifying its commercial relations beyond traditional partners, and South Africa remains a key industrial and economic hub in the region.

Deepening Market Insight and Strategy

The event also offered detailed presentations on market entry mechanisms, priority economic sectors — such as agribusiness, logistics, technology, services and infrastructure — and effective strategies for sustainable growth. Participants received in‑depth business intelligence, gained understanding of local business practices and identified concrete investment and partnership opportunities.

This reflects our ongoing focus on enhancing private sector competitiveness by providing companies with the insights and expertise they need to understand international market dynamics and navigate their expansion effectively

added Lootah, highlighting the Chamber’s role in equipping businesses for success beyond domestic borders.

This pragmatic approach demonstrates Dubai’s vision of positioning itself not only as a global trade hub but also as a bridge to economically dynamic African markets, combining business intelligence, market access facilitation and support for building bilateral partnerships.

Africa at the Core of Emirati Business Ambitions

Trade missions planned for 2026 will further strengthen ties between Emirati companies and African economies, contributing to mutually beneficial growth and investment flows. The strategy is garnering increasing interest from African business stakeholders, who view these partnerships as opportunities to expand investment, diversify commercial outlets and deepen economic integration.

We are committed to empowering the business community to explore new growth horizons … and helping companies build strategic partnerships that support business expansion and strengthen long‑term sustainability

reiterated Lootah, encapsulating the Chamber’s ambition to foster enduring economic cooperation.

However, a central question remains: has Africa successfully made its voice heard in these initiatives? While Emirati interest in the continent is clear, aligning these opportunities with African development priorities will be crucial to ensure that commercial engagement translates into sustained benefits for local populations.