Qatar to host the ‘Gulf-Africa Businesswomen's Forum’

Qatar Chamber and Al Maraya Exhibition and Conferences Company recently signed an agreement to cooperate in organising the first edition of the ‘Gulf-Africa Businesswomen's Forum’.

The agreement was signed by Qatar Chamber acting general manager Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri and the Al Maraya Exhibition and Conferences CEO Jaber al-Mansouri at the chamber's Doha headquarters.

The forum, scheduled to take place from May 5 to 6, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel, aims to showcase investment opportunities in the Gulf and African markets, foster economic partnerships among businesswomen, and facilitate the exchange of experiences and knowledge on the latest trends in entrepreneurship and sustainable development.

Bringing together a distinguished group of female entrepreneurs and investors from Gulf countries and Africa, the forum seeks to promote economic and investment cooperation between businesswomen in both regions.

Qatar Chamber board member Ibtihaj al-Ahmadani, also president of the Qatari Businesswomen Forum, said the event presents a valuable opportunity to discuss key issues and challenges facing cooperation between Gulf and African businesswomen.

Al-Ahmadani also highlighted Africa as an attractive investment destination across various sectors, noting the growing Gulf interest in expanding investments in the continent. She emphasised the chamber’s keenness in sponsoring the event, which aligns with its priority of strengthening collaboration among businesswomen.

She also stressed that the Qatari Businesswomen Forum places great importance on supporting women entrepreneurs and paving the way for them to play a vital role in the Qatari economy.

Ali Bu Sherbak al-Mansouri underscored the chamber’s commitment to sponsoring the forum, which brings together an elite of businesswomen from the Gulf and Africa to discuss opportunities for cooperation and explore investment prospects on both sides.

He emphasised that this sponsorship reflects the chamber’s interest in supporting businesswomen and enhancing their role in economic development. He added that the forum would serve as an ideal platform for fostering communication between Gulf and African businesswomen, opening new horizons for trade and investment cooperation.

Al-Mansouri expressed his gratitude to Al Maraya for organising the event, noting that Qatar Chamber places great importance on initiatives that strengthen cooperation between the Qatari private sector and its counterparts globally.

Jaber al-Mansouri expressed keenness to cooperate with Qatar Chamber in organising the forum, noting that it offers a valuable opportunity to empower businesswomen and expand their business in regional and international markets.

He said more than 120 women entrepreneurs from all GCC countries, as well as North African and other African nations, are expected to participate in the forum. Al-Mansouri emphasised that the forum’s objectives go beyond networking and meetings, aiming to establish lasting bridges for future cooperation in trade and investment within women’s entrepreneurship.

The forum will host four former African female presidents and two African ministers of economy, along with several female CEOs of major African companies. It will also feature a series of panel discussions aimed at reviewing success stories and highlighting promising sectors that could offer investment opportunities for businesswomen from both the Gulf and Africa.

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