The upcoming Global Business Forum Africa (GBF Africa) in Dubai will feature 40 prominent speakers and 26 interactive sessions, with the presidents of Liberia, Zimbabwe and Seychelles and H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai among the high-level participants headlining the event.

Organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the fifth edition of GBF Africa will be held on November 18th-19th 2019.

H.E. George Weah, President of Liberia, will lead a session entitled Unleashing Liberia’s Potential where he will discuss his plans to unlock growth prospects for the African country and opportunities for young entrepreneurs to become key contributors to the economy.

H.E. Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe, will join a one-on-one discussion focusing on potential opportunities to revitalise Zimbabwe and the role that entrepreneurs and investors can play in addressing pressing challenges such as water, fuel and power shortages, in addition the topics of food security, healthcare and job creation.

For his part, H.E. Danny Faure, President of Seychelles, will elaborate on innovative climate action initiatives implemented by his country to enhance natural carbon sinks in exchange for debt relief. In addition, he will discuss the growing need for business solutions in Africa which mitigate climate change and workable frameworks for public-private sector cooperation in this area.

Delivering the UAE government address at the forum, H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General, Expo 2020 Dubai, will share her perspective on UAE-Africa cooperation and the opportunities that Expo 2020 can offer African countries.

On the first day of the forum, H.E. Majid Saif Al Ghurair will deliver the welcome address focusing on expanding UAE-Africa trade ties, while H.E. Hamad Buamim, President and CEO of Dubai Chamber, will participate in a session showcasing the achievements of the GBF Mentorship Programme. Launched by Dubai Chamber earlier this year, the progamme aims to facilitate cooperation between UAE and African startups, harness their potential and provide high-potential startups with access to global expansion opportunities. Participants who were selected for the programme will also join a session during the forum where they will share their experiences and present their businesses to a global audience.

H.E. Buamim described GBF Africa 2019 as an ideal opportunity to build bridges between UAE and African business communities and cement Dubai’s position as a global gateway for African companies. He noted that strong high-level participation and the impressive line-up of speakers and sessions at the upcoming forum only adds to the event’s significance and reach.

“As the largest event of its kind in the region, GBF Africa 2019 will engage leading decision-makers and key stakeholders in a constructive dialogue is designed to examine bilateral business opportunities and lay the groundwork for new partnerships that can support Africa’s economic development and benefit UAE companies that have set their sights on African markets,” said H.E. Buamim.

Other sessions and panel discussions scheduled to be held during the two-day forum will take a closer look at key trends and issues impacting Africa such as collaboration needed to support entrepreneurial ecosystems and foster innovation; the role of youth and digital technologies in transforming governments and economic potential; economic reforms and changing geopolitical dynamics emerging across African countries; growing momentum behind Africa’s shift from a net food importer to a global food producer; potential impact of the newly-launched African Continental Free Trade Agreement on trade and cost of doing business; and expert recommendations for scaling up energy infrastructure across the continent; among other important matters.