African Marketplace Dubai 2025, launched by Ibukun Awosika and the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy (IALA), is set to be a transformative platform for export-ready African and Caribbean SMEs. Scheduled for November 12–15, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Dubai, the four-day event brings together over 250 exhibitors across fashion, agribusiness, tech, creative arts, and more. With the support of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the initiative aims to accelerate access to global markets, facilitate investor and distributor connections, and position African and Caribbean excellence on an international stage. This exhibition blends trade, culture, and innovation into a powerful vehicle for long-term economic and cultural exchange.
Author: AfricaBusiness.com
Unlocking Africa’s Cultural Power: How Arts Connect Africa’s Festival Network Can Transform the Continent
Africa’s creative industry is poised for transformation, and at the center of this evolution is Arts Connect Africa (ACA) — a pioneering network uniting over 50 creative festivals across the continent. This article explores how ACA’s influence goes beyond celebration and entertainment to deliver strategic impact in education, economic empowerment, and global cultural exchange. From enabling on-the-ground skill-building and economic reform to reshaping Africa’s global cultural narrative, ACA offers a new blueprint for continental development through the arts. As international record labels eye Africa, ACA’s model stands as a powerful example of how local ownership, partnership, and purpose can redefine the role of festivals — from stages to systems of change.
The Intersection of IT & Business: Making Tech Decisions That Drive Growth
Digital transformation has moved IT from a back-office function to the core of business strategy. However, many organisations struggle to translate technology investments into measurable outcomes. This article explores why aligning IT decisions with business goals is essential for growth, outlining how CIOs, CTOs, and business leaders can collaborate to ensure technology acts as a strategic enabler rather than just infrastructure. From shifting IT’s role to value creation, to balancing innovation with governance, and embedding modern frameworks for agility and control, the piece highlights actionable insights for making tech decisions that drive profitability, efficiency, and competitive advantage.
How Fintech is Bridging the Financial Inclusion Gap for Africa’s Smallholder Farmers
Smallholder farmers in Africa face growing climate threats yet remain largely excluded from traditional financial systems due to lack of credit histories, collateral, and infrastructure. This article explores how fintech innovations — from mobile lending and digital wallets to AI-powered credit scoring and blockchain — are transforming financial access for rural farmers. By leveraging alternative data and user-friendly platforms, fintech is helping build climate resilience, boost agricultural productivity, and close a $117 billion financing gap. The piece also emphasizes the importance of cross-sector collaboration to drive scalable, inclusive, and sustainable financial solutions.
10 Strategic Tips Brands Should Consider Before Working With Influencers
In the age of authenticity-driven marketing, brands must approach influencer partnerships with strategy and clarity. This article by Nicole Glover, Executive Creative Director at Penquin, presents ten actionable tips for effective collaborations—emphasizing audience alignment, authenticity, platform fit, creative freedom, performance metrics, and long-term partnerships. It offers a roadmap for turning influencers into genuine brand advocates, driving trust, engagement, and measurable ROI.
African Business Chamber (AfBC) Announces 2025 African Business Awards in London
The African Business Chamber (AfBC) proudly announces the 2025 African Business Awards and Gala Dinner, set to take place on 3 July 2025 at the Millennium Gloucester Hotel in London. This premier annual event celebrates the achievements of African businesses, entrepreneurs, and leaders across the UK and globally. Honouring excellence across sectors like finance, technology, healthcare, trade, and the creative industries, the awards spotlight innovation, leadership, and impact in the African and diaspora business communities. With high-level networking, keynote speeches, and cultural performances, the event is a vibrant platform to inspire and elevate African excellence.
French cultural and creative industry leaders embark on ICC Immersion 2025 in South Africa
The French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) and Business France South Africa proudly launch ICC Immersion South Africa 2025, a flagship initiative connecting France’s leading cultural and creative industry (CCI) companies with South African counterparts. Running from 23 June to 2 July 2025 across Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Cape Town, the programme aims to foster cultural diplomacy, innovation, and economic collaboration in sectors like fashion, heritage, architecture, and digital media. Featuring French firms such as Culturespaces, Jakob + MacFarlane, and France Muséums Développement, ICC Immersion showcases bilateral creativity, dialogue, and long-term partnership potential.
Tsheto and GreatWell to Host Leadership Workshop – A Call for Action: Agitating for Stewardship and a Better Tomorrow
In celebration of Mandela Month, Tsheto Leadership and Coaching Academy, in partnership with GreatWell, will host a high-impact Leadership Workshop on 17 July 2025 at The Maslow, Sandton. Centered on the theme “Agitating for Stewardship and a Better Tomorrow,” the workshop aims to equip C-suite executives, transformation leaders, and decision-makers with the tools to lead with intention, accountability, and social consciousness. Featuring keynote speaker Prof. Saths Cooper and expert facilitators Tantaswa Fubu and Rehema Isa, the event is a call to action for values-based leadership that leaves a lasting, positive legacy.
Edelman Africa extends presence in Nigeria with strategic partner THOP
Edelman Africa has expanded its footprint in Nigeria by partnering with The Holding Opinion and Public (THOP), a leading integrated communications company. This strategic move strengthens Edelman’s local presence to meet the growing needs of clients in Nigeria and across West Africa. The partnership arrives amid growing global distrust in institutions, as highlighted by the 2025 Edelman Global Trust Barometer, underscoring the importance of trusted, culturally intelligent communication strategies. Edelman aims to help clients build trust and drive meaningful change in Africa’s most populous country.
Global Side Hustles: How Africans Are Tapping into Online Competitions and Rewards Platforms
This article explores how Africans are tapping into online competitions and rewards platforms as flexible, accessible side hustles. Amid economic challenges such as high unemployment and wage stagnation, these platforms offer alternative income streams, from surveys to entry-based contests. The piece covers tips for maximizing success, common pitfalls to avoid, and how the trend is gaining traction across the continent. Highlighting technological advancements, the role of the diaspora, and internet penetration, the article also touches on the challenges and promising future of these digital opportunities in Africa.