Dubai Chamber Sees Ghana as Key Gateway to West Africa – Saeed Al Gergawi
Vice President of the Dubai Chamber for Digital Economy (DCDE), Saeed Al Gergawi, has described the Chamber’s presence in Ghana as a strategic starting point and gateway to West Africa for businesses based in Dubai and the wider United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Speaking to journalists during a sit-down interview, Mr Al Gergawi underscored the importance of Ghana as a pivotal market for the Chamber’s expansion strategy in Africa, noting that the country’s growing digital economy presents vast opportunities for collaboration and investment.
“When it comes to Ghana, I think this is a large aspect of how businesses here view the African continent as a market that’s not given its own rights in terms of the potential that’s there,” he said.
“I do view the office that we have in Ghana as a starting point and an entry point to Western Africa. Our role now needs to be how we keep pushing companies to view Ghana as an entry point for the rest of Western Africa, and do it in a way that’s smooth and quick, and I know the Ghana office is starting to do a good job on that,” he remarked.
Mr Al Gergawi observed that the Chamber aims to deepen partnerships that will help accelerate digital growth in Ghana, where the digital economy was valued at $1.36 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach $5 billion by 2030.
He added that businesses in Dubai are increasingly exploring opportunities across Africa, and the Chamber’s West African operations will play a critical role in connecting the continent’s markets with the Gulf region.
Meanwhile, the Dubai Chamber has advised African businesses seeking to establish operations in Dubai to prioritise building strong networks and long-term relationships, which is the foundation for success in the Emirati market.
“I think the foundation is building relationships, a lot of people feel that there’s money in Dubai — everyone has a Lamborghini and Ferrari — but the reality is, because Dubai is a global hub, you have to look at it as building trust,” said a representative of the Dubai Chamber for Digital Economy who took journalists from across the globe who spoke about the Chamber’s initiatives.
“Come here long term, get to know somebody, have a coffee or tea, build trust. If you’re not willing to set base and connect with people, your challenge is going to be why am I not receiving business? Be smart and strategic,” he added.
Further stating that, networking and relationship-building open access to broader regional markets beyond Dubai, including the Middle East and Southeast Asia as Dubai is the launchpad for global business expansion.
