Finalists of the Global Business Forum (GBF) Mentorship Programme pitched their startups to a panel of experts and prospective investors at the fifth edition of the Global Business Forum Africa 2019 in Dubai. The programme, a first-of-its-kind initiative by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, created a new platform for cross-border cooperation and paired participating UAE and African startups with mentors who helped them develop their businesses and reach new markets.

African governments are harnessing digital technologies to support ongoing reforms and better serve the interests of citizens, according to industry experts speaking  at the Global Business Forum Africa 2019 in Dubai. During a session entitled Rethinking Government – Working with the New Guard, Innocent Muhizi, CEO, Rwanda Information Society Authority, explained how the government agency partnered with companies to develop an e-procurement platform that handles proposals and contracts and said the government in Rwanda operates like a private sector entity by setting KPIs and working towards ambitious targets.

Hon. David J. Francis, Chief Minister, Republic of Sierra Leone, noted that his country was in the process of creating a “new direction government” built around digital innovation, science and technology. He explained that his department has piloted iPads to reduce stationery, introduced an automated public expenditure policy and expanding internet and mobile coverage, providing real-time data to citizens – key strategies which he hopes will lead to the creation of a new Africa.

Mark Okoye, Commissioner for Economic Planning, Anambra State Government, Nigeria, said his country is currently focusing on attracting FDI, improving efficiency and productivity, and utilising technologies to better understand the needs of citizens and businesses.

Another session entitled Reshaping the Future – the World of Digital Disruption was joined by Lorien Gamaroff, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of South African company Centbee, who spoke about how Bitcoin is being utilised by banks, governments and tax authorities to improve transparency and efficiency.

Organised by Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, GBF Africa 2019 was hosted under the theme “Scale-Up Africa”, bringing together public and private sector stakeholders from the UAE and African countries to examine key  trends and explore new avenues of economic cooperation. The high-level forum, held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum  , Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai gave a meaningful insight into the importance of technology in business growth.