African investors recognise Sharjah as a gateway to transformative economic growth and partnership

Entrepreneurs and business leaders from across Africa have identified Sharjah as an exceptional platform for expansion, citing the emirate's sophisticated infrastructure, logistics prowess and flourishing opportunities in trade, manufacturing and real estate.

Sharjah has emerged as a compelling destination for African investors and entrepreneurs seeking to establish and expand their business operations, a recognition underscored during the Sharjah Investment Forum 2026. The emirate’s strategic position, coupled with its advanced infrastructure and logistics capabilities, positions it as an ideal gateway for accessing both regional and international markets.

The expansion of economic ties between the UAE and Africa has been remarkable. Non-oil trade between the two regions reached approximately US$158 billion in 2025, representing a remarkable 41.6 percent increase year-on-year, with Africa now accounting for 15.5 percent of the UAE’s total non-oil trade. This growth trajectory reflects the deepening commercial relationships and widening opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation.

Lloyd Kashaya, Founding Executive Director of Tamara Holdings, highlighted the particular promise of the automotive sector, encompassing both vehicles and spare parts, alongside manufacturing and export opportunities. He underscored how Sharjah’s logistics infrastructure, notably the capabilities of Khorfakkan Port, facilitates the efficient movement of goods and enables the development of robust supply routes connecting African markets with international networks. In a complementary development, Gulftainer, operator of Khorfakkan Container Terminal, announced a US$2 billion global investment strategy designed to enhance operational capabilities and develop logistics networks to support continued market expansion.

Sharjah’s manufacturing sector presents compelling opportunities, particularly in the production of cosmetics, perfumes and soaps destined for African markets. This diversification of sourcing options provides African importers with access to high-quality UAE-manufactured products, creating a compelling alternative to established suppliers.

Real estate investment has flourished, with transactions involving foreign investors reaching approximately AED23.2 billion during the first nine months of 2025, an increase of 62.2 percent compared with the corresponding period of the previous year. Investors representing 121 nationalities have participated in this expansion, reflecting the emirate’s growing international appeal.

Haja Tony Diop, a Senegalese entrepreneur, expressed enthusiasm for the investment opportunities she discovered in Sharjah, particularly within the real estate sector. She praised the direct engagement between Emirati and African investors at the forum, noting the value of such interactions for building professional relationships and exploring partnership possibilities. Bilateral trade between the UAE and Senegal reached approximately US$1.3 billion in 2025, increasing 24.5 percent year-on-year, with growth continuing into 2026.

Simba M, an investor from Zimbabwe, emphasised the vast potential of African markets and called for increased engagement with the continent’s business communities. He noted that Africa comprises large and diverse markets awaiting greater commercial connection with Sharjah. Bilateral trade between the UAE and Zimbabwe has grown from approximately US$2 billion in 2023 to US$5 billion in 2025, illustrating the substantial potential for deeper partnerships.

Investors have stressed the importance of advisory services supporting business formation, regulatory compliance and market-entry strategy, recognising that informed decision-making is essential for successful expansion into new markets.

Source: WAM