The African continent is expected to grow to a US$3trn (Shs10,756 trillion) economy by 2030, according Ernst & Young’s ‘Attractive Program Africa 2017’ report.
The strongest economies over the last two years have included commodity-importing East African countries such as Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya and Rwanda while the West African economies of Côte d’Ivoire and Senegal have also emerged as star performers – presenting Gulf investors with new markets, ripe for investment opportunities.
This comes at a time when global leaders are readying themselves for the Africa Legal Network’s (ALN) 4thAnnual International Conference on 4-5 October 2017 at the Park Hyatt, Dubai, UAE. The invite-only event will bring together high-calibre and relevant business professionals and government representatives to discuss opportunities for foreign investment in Africa.
The UAE is Africa’s leading trading partner within the GCC, with approximately 80% of the UAE’s imports from Africa being primary products, such as food produce and beverages. Total non-oil trade between the two regions is valued at about US$ 24 billion: a 700% increase over the last decade, according to the Dubai Chamber of Commerce.
With the UAE Minister for Culture, Youth and Social Development, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, as the Guest of Honour, the conference will include a range of panels and talks from speakers with a deep understanding of working in Africa, including Former General Army and President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo and Director of Brenthurst Foundation, Dr. Greg Mills.
ALN Chairman and former Malian Prime Minister, Dr. Cheick Modibo Diarra, said:
“African economies continue to be among the most resilient in the world and present unparalleled opportunities for foreign investment. The continent’s growth has recovered from recent global economic head winds and the slowdown in 2016.
This year’s ALN conference will provide a crucial platform for gaining valuable insights into the renewed opportunities available to investors across the Gulf region and beyond. With top-calibre panel members and engaging presentations that highlight Africa’s growth story, we expect to see even stronger relationships between global leaders to encourage investment in the promising opportunities Africa presents.”
Over 400 delegates are expected to attend the event, including senior government officials, stakeholder executives and key members of the international investment community. Topics to be discussed at the conference will include Africa’s risk landscape, private equity investing on the continent, Africa’s power and infrastructure sectors, financing, trends in real estate, family businesses, innovation and technology, among others.
