Dubai Chamber Launches Initiative to Boost African Expansion for Local Businesses

Post by : Bianca Hayes

The Dubai Chamber of Commerce, part of Dubai Chambers, has kicked off its 2026 ‘In Focus’ series. This initiative helps Dubai-based firms identify business expansion avenues in Ethiopia, Ghana, and South Africa.

More than 228 attendees were present at the inaugural event, which highlighted significant trade and investment potentials in these African countries. The discussions covered ways to operate within these regions, focusing on promising economic sectors and effective market entry strategies for sustainable growth.

The ‘In Focus’ series also unveiled the ‘New Horizons’ initiative, aimed at facilitating trade missions for Dubai firms organized by the Dubai Chamber. These missions are designed for carefully chosen global markets and will include business meetings, discussions on investments, and opportunities for partnership. Scheduled for the first half of 2026 are trade missions to Ethiopia, Ghana, and South Africa.

His Excellency Mohammad Ali Rashed Lootah, President and CEO of Dubai Chambers, spoke at the event, reiterating the chamber's commitment to aiding businesses in exploring new global markets. He emphasized the objective of forming strong partnerships, sustainable expansion, and enhancing competitiveness through comprehensive market insights and expert consulting.

Data presented during the session underscored the robust economic connections between Dubai and Africa. In 2024, the non-oil trade between Dubai and Ethiopia surged to AED 6.6 billion, experiencing a remarkable 90% annual increase. Non-oil trade with Ghana rose to AED 24.7 billion, a 75% soar, while trade with South Africa climbed by 20% to AED 29 billion.

Additionally, the presentation provided insights into how the Dubai Chamber of Commerce can assist firms in entering international markets, covering aspects such as market research, company establishment, joint ventures, and access to current business data.

Participants in the ‘In Focus’ series benefit from tailored market intelligence and ongoing support throughout their international expansion efforts, enabling them to make sound decisions and establish operations successfully overseas.

Jan. 21, 2026 4:41 p.m. 243

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