Qatar to Host First Gulf-Africa Businesswomen's Forum in May 2025

Doha, Qatar – Qatar Chamber, in collaboration with Al Maraya Exhibition and Conferences Company, is set to host the first-ever Gulf-Africa Businesswomen's Forum on May 5-6, 2025, at the Marriott Hotel in Doha. This landmark event aims to highlight investment opportunities in the Gulf and African markets, promotoing economic partnerships among businesswomen and facilitating the exchange of experiences on entrepreneurship and sustainable development trends. 

Strategic Collaboration

The agreement to organize the forum was formalized at Qatar Chamber's headquarters, with Acting General Manager Ali Bu Sherbak Al-Mansouri and Al Maraya CEO Jaber Al-Mansouri signing on behalf of their respective organizations. This partnership underscores a shared commitment to empowering businesswomen and expanding their presence in regional and international markets. 

Forum Objectives

The forum is designed to serve as a strategic platform for female entrepreneurs and investors from the Gulf countries and Africa, promoting economic and investment cooperation between the two regions. It will provide attendees with opportunities to engage in meaningful discussions, explore collaboration prospects, and expand their business networks. 

Key Highlights

• Distinguished Participation: The event is expected to attract over 120 women entrepreneurs from GCC countries and various African nations. Notably, four former African female presidents, two African ministers of economy, and several female CEOs of major African companies are slated to participate. 
• Panel Discussions: A series of panel discussions will review success stories and highlight promising sectors that offer investment opportunities for businesswomen from both the Gulf and Africa. 

Statements from Organizers

Ibtihaj Al-Ahmadani, Qatar Chamber board member and President of the Qatari Businesswomen Forum, emphasized that the forum presents a valuable opportunity to address key issues and challenges in cooperation between Gulf and African businesswomen. She highlighted Africa as an attractive investment destination across various sectors and noted the growing interest among Gulf investors in expanding their footprint on the continent. 

Ali Bu Sherbak Al-Mansouri underscored Qatar Chamber's dedication to supporting this important forum, stating that bringing together prominent businesswomen from the Gulf and Africa would help explore investment opportunities and enhance economic cooperation between the two regions. 

Jaber Al-Mansouri expressed his pleasure in collaborating with Qatar Chamber to host the forum, noting that the event offers a valuable opportunity to empower businesswomen and expand their presence in regional and international markets. 

The Gulf-Africa Businesswomen's Forum is set to play a crucial role in strengthening business ties between the two regions, driving economic growth, and empowering women entrepreneurs on a global scale. The event is expected to set a precedent for future cooperation, laying the foundation for stronger economic and trade relations between the Gulf and African nations.