Ibukun Awosika Unveils African Marketplace Dubai 2025 to Boost Global Trade for African, Caribbean SMEs
In a bold move to showcase Africa and the Caribbean’s finest export-ready businesses, Ibukun Awosika has announced the launch of African Marketplace Dubai 2025, a global exhibition event set to hold at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Dubai. The initiative, led by the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy (IALA), will feature a diverse range of sectors including fashion, technology, agribusiness, textiles, and creative arts. The platform is designed to connect small and medium enterprises (SMEs) from the continent and the Caribbean to international markets.
The four-day event aims to go beyond traditional trade exhibitions by positioning itself as a catalyst for deeper economic and cultural ties between Africa, its diaspora, and the global community. Organisers describe it as a strategic opportunity to promote intra-African trade, encourage investment, and foster sustainable business relationships. With its emphasis on long-term impact, the marketplace is expected to serve as a launchpad for African excellence and entrepreneurship.
Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, the founder of IALA, expressed her vision for the marketplace as a transformative platform. She emphasized the importance of changing global perceptions about African and Caribbean businesses. “This is not just about showcasing products,” she said. “It’s about opening global doors, elevating our narrative, and positioning African innovation at the heart of international dialogue.”
Dubai was carefully chosen as the host city due to its global stature and multicultural environment. With over 200 nationalities represented and its reputation as a hub for commerce, Dubai offers a symbolic and strategic location for such an ambitious project. The event will be hosted in partnership with the Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai, further reinforcing the city’s commitment to supporting global trade networks.
The African Marketplace Dubai 2025 is expected to attract more than 250 exhibitors and thousands of international visitors. Organisers anticipate a high level of engagement, including access to investors, exposure to international buyers, and the forging of long-term partnerships. Ultimately, the event is poised to position African and Caribbean brands on the world stage like never before.
Source: Leadership