A website that presents data and analysis related to the growing markets of Africa, has been announced.

The online portal acts as a knowledge resource designed to equip users with information about business opportunities in African countries, providing elements such as statistics, strengths and weaknesses, challenges and opportunities.

Titled Africa Gateway, the website was launched by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Dubai Chamber).

The portal currently provides a business overview of ten African countries, with more countries to be added in future upgrades. The countries featured on the website are Angola, Côte d'Ivoire, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda.

Information provided about each country includes demographics, political outlook, economy, key sectors, trade, foreign investment, business environment and current relationship with the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The platform is seen as part of Dubai and the UAE’s drive to step up business relationships with Africa. It was established to provide country profiles of African markets seen as most important or strategically significant for Dubai and the UAE and to assist businesses in their evaluation of countries that are considered as potential investment destinations. It is one of the main tools in Dubai Chamber’s efforts to increase commercial relations with public and private sector entities across the African continent.

The content of the website is developed in collaboration with The Economist Intelligence Unit and aims to provide data and trend analyses to help guide the decision-making process for businesses that are considering making investments in Africa or conducting business on the continent. Data provided also includes rankings on ease of doing business and risk assessments measured over previous years to the present. This kind of data gives an indication of a country’s general direction and trends over time, which can help prospective businesses gauge strengths and weaknesses when assessing commercial opportunities. 

The website was launched ahead of the fifth edition of the Global Business Forum on Africa to be held in November 2019. 

The website can be accessed via Dubai Chamber’s website at https://africagateway.dubaichamber.com/