The sixth edition of the Global Business Forum (GBF) Africa will be held from 13-14 October 2021 under the theme Transformation Through Trade, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry announced.
This year’s Forum is organised on the side-lines of Expo 2020 Dubai. GBF Africa 2021 will shed light on the global economic recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects on trade and business around the world.
The high-level forum will take a closer look at Africa’s next phase of economic development in the Covid era and beyond, as discussions examine the role of cross-border collaboration in creating new business opportunities and driving sustainable growth across the continent.
As one of Dubai Chamber’s flagship business forums, GBF Africa promotes Dubai as a gateway for African companies that can be leveraged to expand their global footprint as it showcases the emirate’s competitive advantages.
Hamad Buamim, President and CEO, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “As the Official Business Integration Partner for Expo 2020, Dubai Chamber is organising a wide range of high-profile events during the mega event that will provide local and international companies access to networking and collaboration opportunities. Among these is the 6th Global Business Forum Africa, which serves a catalyst for expanding trade links and economic cooperation between Africa and Dubai.”
The upcoming event builds on the substantial progress achieved by the previous five editions of the forum, which paved the way for new bilateral partnerships and economic benefits, he explained, adding that the timing of the event during Expo 2020 Dubai offers African companies an ideal opportunity to showcase their potential and boost their global reach.
“We welcome our partners from all corners of the African continent and look forward to this opportunity where our local business community can explore prospects of expanding their commercial activities and partnerships in Africa,” Buamim added.
This time around, GBF Africa 2021 is structured around three elements, namely GBF Insight – a high-level, curated programme which includes high-level keynotes and plenary sessions; GBF Connect – a fully comprehensive business matching and networking service which runs over the entirety of the Forum; and the Expert Hub – a platform reserved for representatives from Africa to provide first-hand insights into the investment opportunities in their respective country to the audience directly.
Key topics that will be front and centre at GBF Africa 2021 include the outlook for the African economies, expected impact of the African Continental Free Trade Area, the evolution of global trade, the adoption of advanced technologies and the role of innovation in strengthening capital markets, as well as promising investment opportunities emerging in a post-Covid-19 world.