Dangote to address world leaders on economic growth

The Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, will address business leaders on opportunities and economic growth in Africa at the 2nd Global Business Forum in Dubai on October 1.

According to a statement by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dangote will draw out the story of the rapid change and global integration of Africa and Dubai, providing tangible insights into the two regions' opportunities, challenges and synergies.

The forum will also explore new business partnerships and opportunities arising between Africa and Dubai.

In its strategy of expanding into the African continent, Dubai has become a major trading partner for the region as the emirate's non-oil trade with the continent increased by 141 per cent, up from AED37.9bn in 2008 to AED91.3bn ($25bn) in 2013.

The statement quoted the President and Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Chamber, Mr. Hamad Buamim, as saying, 'The participation of prominent speakers from Africa reflects on the importance of the forum being held in Dubai. This will lead to an enhanced bilateral relationship between the emirate and leading countries of the African continent.''

He further said that the participation of Dangote would enrich the discussion with his experience and ideas for the benefit of all the participants.

According to a Dubai Chamber statistics, African companies operating in Dubai have seen a percentage growth of 171 per cent from 2008 to mid-2014.

The data also showed that the sectors under which African companies operated in Dubai such as trade, 60 per cent; construction, 14.8 per cent; logistics, 8.2 per cent; real estate, 8.1 per cent; manufacturing, 2.5 per cent; agriculture, 0.2 per cent; and tourism and hospitality, 0.9 per cent.

At present, there are 414 Nigerian companies registered with Dubai Chamber, according to the Dubai Chamber statistics.

The forum is organised by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry with content developed by The Economist Events.