Leaders for regional global business forum

By Samuel Sanya

THE Dubai Chamber of Commerce has invited 500 government and corporate officials to a forum that highlights key initiatives, which drive Africa’s promising economic future.

Uganda aims to be a middle income country by 2040. Data from the Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) indicates that the average Ugandan earns $506 (about sh1.3m) annually implying that incomes must increase 25 times in the coming years.

The $200b (about sh520 trillion) plan to increase household incomes and general standards of living will require significant investment, some of which could be triggered through meetings at the forum.

The objective of the Africa Global Business Forum (AGBF) is to encourage international revenue flows into Africa by engaging leading decision-makers on the global investment scene.

The forum will involve prominent stakeholders from the African Union and Economic Blocs to engage in dialogue at the highest level of implementation and advise on key directives related to Africa’s economic outlook,” the statement said.

“New realities are creating new connections: Asia and the rest of the world is now readily accessible to Africa. The continent is opening up the potential for new links between African nations, and enabling Africans to look for new global partners for trade ties, investment, inspiration and support,” it added. 

The forum has been designed to ensure ample opportunity for one-to-one meetings and networking, alongside thought provoking discussions over two days of plenary sessions.

The event will also emphasise how Dubai is a main strategic link to the continent, as well as explore new business partnerships and opportunities arising between Africa and Dubai.

Rwanda President Paul Kagame, Ethiopia’s Mulatu Teshome Wirtu and Billionaire Aliko Dangote will be key note speakers at the forum.

Also to attend are Presidents; Dramani Mahama of Ghana, Mozambique’s Armando Guebuza, and Senegal’s Macky Sall.