AIM Congress 2026: Africa Seeks Gulf Investment for Industrial Growth

Sep 9, 2026

86 min

Sep 9, 2026 07:31

AIM Congress 2026: Africa looks to Gulf investors to power its next growth phase

## Africa's Strategic Push at AIM Congress 2026

The AIM Congress 2026, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre, has become a focal point for African economic diplomacy. The event brought together African leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to strengthen economic ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The Africa Pavilion, organized by the Africa GCC Council, served as a strategic ecosystem designed to foster direct connections between African project sponsors and GCC investors.

## Shifting Focus from Extraction to Industrialization

Dr. M'zée Fula Ngenge, Chairperson of the Africa Pavilion, emphasized the shift from mere visibility to actionable outcomes. The Pavilion aimed to transform discussions into tangible projects, moving beyond traditional extraction industries to focus on manufacturing and value-added growth.

## The Role of the African Continental Free Trade Area

Wamkele Mene, Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), highlighted the implementation of the trade agreement, which now includes 50 African countries. This agreement represents a market of 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of $3.4 trillion, offering significant opportunities for Gulf investors.

## Investment Opportunities in Renewable Energy

Ethiopia's President, Taye Atske-Selassie, outlined the country's renewable energy potential, aiming to generate 50,000 megawatts by 2030. This focus on renewable energy aligns with the UAE's substantial investments in Africa, which totaled over $110 billion between 2019 and 2023, with a significant portion directed towards green energy.

## Empowering African Entrepreneurs

The F&F Young Women Entrepreneurship Development Organisation (FYWEDO) participated in the congress to address capacity-building gaps for African SMEs. The organization focuses on enhancing entrepreneurial skills and facilitating connections with companies in the GCC and Middle East, aiming to expand market access for African women entrepreneurs.

## A New Era of Economic Collaboration...

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