The positive business environment in Africa has already been noticed by the international community and investments into Africa have been flowing from various countries around the world. China, one of the fastest growing economies in the world, has already started making inroads into the African markets and established a special China-Africa Business Council recently. Trade between China and Africa registed an unprecedented growth in the last decade. China National Petroleum Company has acquired a 40 per cent stake in one of Sudan’s major oil exploration project and Chinese workers built a 1,600 kilometre long pipeline in Sudan in just 11 months. In fact, China has been actively partnering with African governments to meet its rising demand for oil. Chinese government extended a soft loan of $2billion to Angola to secure a regular supply of 10,00 barels of oil per day. In Zimbabwe, China has reportedly finalised a deal to supply the African nation with fighter jets and other military goods worth $200 million. Trade and tourism ties between China and Zimbabwe have been flourishing in recent years. A growing number of Chinese citizens are now travelling to Zimbabwe to enjoy the many tourist attractions that the country of Robert Mugabe as to offer. The increased trade and tourism ties between Zimbabwe and China has resulted in the announcement of twice-weekly direct flights between Harare and Beijing. In fact, speculation is rife that most western farmers in Zimbabwe will eventually be replaced by Chinese investors eager to invest in Zimbawe’s ailing tobbaco farming industry. Chinese companies are also reportedly vying to gain a major share of Zimbabwe’s lucrative mineral extration industry. In Zambia, Chinese contractors have said to have won a contract worth $600 million to build a hydroelectric plant at Kague Gorge. Other Chinese construction companies are also reportdly working on lucrative contracts to build hotels, roads and bridges in Botswana and South Africa. High level delegations from China have been busy forging trade ties with various African countries and have bee touring countries like Nigeria, Gabon, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. On the other hand, exports from Africa to China have also been registering a healthy growth in recent years. South Africa’s exports to China have more than doubled in the last five years. Notable among these exports are raw materials needed to meet the rising demand for China’s manufacturing sector – commodities like coal and gold. Chinese compnaies have also been using African factories to stitch garments using Chinese raw materials and cloth for exports to the United States under the AGOA agreement that allows duty free imports from certian African countries into the United States. Related Articles The Market for Mobile Phones in Africa Africa is one of the fastest growing markets for mobile phones in the world. Many importers in Africa are making hay as demand rises... Export Procedures: Tanzania Planning to export goods to Tanzania? Follow these simple guidelines to ensure your goods arrive in time. Finding the right buyers in... Nigeria and Dubai: New Business Partners Trade between Dubai and Nigeria has been registering steady growth as buyers from Nigeria flock the wholesaler markets of Dubai... UAE Invests In East Africa Abu Dhabi Group expands operations in key African markets. Invests $250 million in Uganda and DR Congo. Investments in Africa from the Middle East... Africa Business Directory Download the Africa Business Directory in Excel format and contact buyers, importers and companies in Africa directly from your desktop...

In recent years, Chinese goods have emerged as popular items of trade among African counries and Chinese companies are exporting in increasing quantities of a wide variety of products directly to the African markets. As a result, China's trade with Africa has been registering a substantial growth in recent years. Price-sensitive markets in Africa have welcomed the easy availability of low-priced Chinese goods. Traders and merchants have also been quick to seize the opportunity to source their requirements from China in order to increase their profit margins. By directly sourcing their requirements for capital and consumer goods, African businesspeople have cut out the middlemen and consequently increased their profit margins. The trend has been repeated in almost all countries across Africa and the result is clearly visible in almost all African countries flooded with low-priced Chinese goods. Whether it is tyres, automobile parts, stationery, perfumes, cosmetics, computer hardware, furniture or machinery, China has dominated the African markets. In 2025, China's export total trade volume reached over US$348 billion. China continues to be a major economic partner for Africa. Recent data (as of 2026) shows South Africa, China's largest trading partner, increased trade by 41.5% to US$14.18 billion in just the first quarter of the year. The main products China exports to Africa are machinery and electronics, textile and apparel, hi-tech products and finished goods, while imports from Africa concentrate on crude oil, iron ore, cotton, diamond and other natural resources and primary goods. To help the countries in Africa expand exports, China has exempted import tariffs for certain commodities of these countries. China has announced the names of 25 African countries that enjoy zero tariff treatment and special preferential tariff rate for exports of some 190 products to China, ranging from food, mineral product and textile, to machinery and electronics. These statistics clearly show the increased trading activity between Africa and China. Chinese companies, known for their marketing and business skills, have been reaping rich dividends by promoting their products and services in the new and emerging markets of Africa. In fact, as many as 200+ Chinese-funded enterprises in Africa have been established with total investment of approximately US$900 million. Apart from the fast growth of bilateral trade and investment, China and African countries also enjoy good cooperation in the international arena. Together with other developing countries, China and Africa have maintained close consultation and cooperation in safeguarding the common interests of the developing countries, and in pursuit of the establishment of a new international economic order that is both fair and rational. A successful example is the formation of G20 during the recent round of WTO talks.

The lubricants industry in the UAE has long been recognized as one of the most significant components of the country's re-export economy. The UAE is at the absolute forefront of meeting the massive demands for high-quality lubricants not only within the Middle East, but also in neighboring high-growth regions like the CIS, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Africa. In recent years, East Africa and the CIS have emerged as major export destinations for lubricant products blended in the UAE. "We have been registering a significant increase in our lubricants exports to East Africa. We are able to provide cost-effective solutions to meet the rising demand for all kinds and grades of lubricants in African countries," said Mohammed H. Al Shamsi of UAE-based ADNOC Distribution, one of the leading manufacturers of all kinds of lubricants in the UAE. UAE Lubricants Market: Growth, Trends, and Outlook The UAE lubricants market is experiencing robust, steady growth, with a projected value exceeding 170 million liters by 2030 and a forecast CAGR of 3.9%–4.8% through 2032. Key drivers include massive national infrastructure projects, a rapidly rising vehicle population (currently over 3.7 million), and booming industrialization, particularly in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The market is rapidly shifting toward high-performance synthetic lubricants, bio-based products, and specialty EV-compatible fluids. Key Market Statistics Market Size: Valued at approximately 161.56 million liters in 2025. Projected Growth: Expected to reach ~213.8 million liters by 2032. Leading Segments: Engine oils dominate, accounting for 34% of consumption. Base Oil Shift: Rapid transition from Group I to Group II/III base oils. Sustainability: Bio-based lubricant consumption is rising at a 4.09% CAGR. Major Players ADNOC Distribution: Dominates with an expanding network (562+ stations). ENOC Group: Strong presence in specialized and branded lubricants. Shell UAE & TotalEnergies: Leading international brands. Fuchs Oil & Chevron: Driving industrial and marine sales. UAE Lubricants Market Growth - Overview Data Source: MarkNtel Advisors  |  © Africa Business Pages Recent Strategic Developments The UAE is heavily investing in the modernization of its chemical sector. In late 2024, ENOC Group launched redesigned packaging with blockchain-linked QR codes to aggressively combat counterfeit products in export markets. Meanwhile, massive domestic investments in Abu Dhabi (USD 12.8 billion) and Dubai's expanding infrastructure budgets are supercharging local industrial lubricants demand. Furthermore, ADNOC's Ruwais refinery expansion is drastically increasing local base-oil availability, strengthening the "Make it in the Emirates" initiative. On the automotive front, companies like Castrol and Shell are rapidly introducing specialized, ultra-low viscosity lubricants for electric and hybrid vehicles to support the national target of reaching 10% EV adoption by 2030. Lubricants Exports from Dubai to Africa Exports from Dubai consist of roughly 60 percent automotive lubricants (such as gear oil and engine greases) and 40 percent industrial lubricants. “There seems to be a growing market, and although we have only recently started exports to East Africa, we are hopeful that it will continue to grow,” said Naeem Amin Tai, managing director of Pride International Lubricants. The company currently exports heavily to East Africa, Pakistan, Yemen, the CIS, and Saudi Arabia. UAE-based lubricant manufacturers are heavily concentrating their efforts to capture emerging markets. “The CIS and Africa have the potential to emerge as massive markets for UAE-based lubricant dealers, going by the steady increase in demand over the last few years,” notes Raghuvendra Sangha of Zafco Trading, manufacturers of the Zeetex brand. “In the past, users of lubricants in Africa were satisfied with locally-produced brands,” says Boney Katatumba, president of the COMESA Business Association in Uganda. “With the globalization of the marketplace, customers in Africa are now demanding higher-quality, durable products.” Most major international manufacturers are rarely interested in supplying quantities that do not run into massive multi-container shipments. This is where Dubai excels. “African buyers can source all their varied requirements from just one location,” explains Shabbir Ali, General Manager of Artra Lubricants. An importer in East Africa can easily consolidate 2T Oil, battery water, and industrial greases into a single mixed shipment from Dubai. UAE’s strength in the lubricants business is based on a perfect balance of low-priced goods and high quality. “We are able to offer our products to African buyers at very competitive prices because we operate in a low-cost environment in terms of raw materials and base stocks,” says Azhar of Sharjah-based Al Mehdar. African buyers are extremely happy to travel to the UAE to source their requirements. “Prices in Africa for these goods are almost double,” says James Kyadze, a Ugandan importer. “Dubai is a fantastic place to buy—the easy availability of goods, excellent shipping links, and a well-established manufacturing base make the UAE an ideal business destination for me.” Did You Know? A Billion-Dollar Market: The UAE lubricants market is projected to exceed a massive 213 million liters in consumption by 2032, driven by rapid industrialization. The Ultimate Distribution Hub: Dubai re-exports over 65% of its imported and locally blended lubricants to high-demand emerging markets like East Africa and the CIS. Engine Oils Lead the Way: Automotive engine oils currently dominate the UAE market, accounting for over a third (34%) of total lubricant consumption. Combating Counterfeits: To protect African buyers from fake products, major UAE suppliers like ENOC are now deploying advanced blockchain-linked QR codes on their packaging. The Green Shift: Demand for bio-based and synthetic Group II/III lubricants is surging in Dubai to meet strict Euro-5 and Euro-6 emission standards.

A recent comprehensive economic report indicates that the mobile industry now contributes over $170 billion to Africa’s economy, representing approximately 8.5 per cent of the continent's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Mobile connections across the African continent have skyrocketed past the 1.2 billion mark, pushing mobile penetration well beyond 80 per cent in several key regions. Over the past decade, Africa has experienced the fastest mobile growth rate globally, consistently expanding and cementing its position as the second-largest mobile market in the world, trailing only Asia. This explosive growth has transformed the telecommunications sector into a major economic engine, employing over 6 million people directly and indirectly across the continent. In Ghana, for example, there are now more than 40 million active mobile connections, representing a penetration rate of over 120 per cent (due to multi-SIM ownership). The sector constitutes a massive pillar of the national economy, driving significant foreign direct investment and contributing heavily to government revenue. Projections indicate that bridging the remaining digital divide and bringing the whole region to full broadband penetration could add an additional $50 billion in aggregate GDP to the region. The mobile industry remains the ultimate enabler and catalyst for development, with fierce competition continuously driving down data prices and increasing smartphone adoption. Price wars have historically been common across the continent, making communication highly affordable. Today, while prepaid voice services remain vital, the uptake of mobile broadband and data services is the primary growth driver. In markets like Kenya, data revenues—fueled by a young, digital-first population—now represent the majority of operator income. Despite downward pressure on pricing, the mobile industry continues to revolutionize agriculture, banking, education, and healthcare through specialized Mobile Value-Added Services (VAS). 5G and the Mobile Money Revolution The Dawn of 5G and Digital Infrastructure: Africa is currently undergoing a massive digital infrastructure upgrade. Major telecom operators have successfully launched commercial 5G networks in key markets including South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt. This rollout is heavily supported by multi-billion-dollar investments in subsea cables (such as the 2Africa and Equiano cables) and inland fiber-optic networks. This leap in connectivity speed and bandwidth is accelerating the growth of the continent's tech ecosystem, enabling advanced enterprise solutions, cloud computing, and a booming gig economy that relies on high-speed internet access. The Undisputed King of Mobile Money: The emergence of mobile financial services has put Africa firmly at the forefront of the global Mobile Money industry. Platforms like M-Pesa in East Africa and MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) in West Africa process hundreds of billions of dollars in transactions annually. This ecosystem has evolved far beyond peer-to-peer transfers; it now encompasses micro-lending, insurance, merchant payments, and cross-border remittances. By leapfrogging traditional banking infrastructure, mobile money has driven unprecedented financial inclusion, bringing millions of unbanked Africans into the formal digital economy. From Counterfeits to Affordable Tech A decade ago, the African market was flooded with cheap, smuggled counterfeit cellphones—often low-quality knock-offs of major global brands. Cash-strapped governments and telecommunication regulators, such as the Communications Authority of Kenya, initiated aggressive crackdowns, successfully phasing out millions of counterfeit devices by blocking unrecognized IMEI numbers from mobile networks. Today, the landscape has completely transformed. The demand for sub-standard knock-offs has plummeted as legitimate, highly affordable smartphone brands have entered the market. Asian tech giants like Transsion (parent company of Tecno, Infinix, and Itel), Xiaomi, and Samsung now dominate the African handset market by offering high-quality, durable smartphones tailored specifically for African consumers—featuring extended battery life, dual-SIM capabilities, and localized camera technologies. Furthermore, a growing push for local manufacturing has seen smartphone assembly plants open in countries like Egypt, South Africa, and Rwanda, signaling a mature, quality-driven mobile ecosystem. Did You Know? The Youth Dividend: With over 60% of its population under the age of 25, Africa boasts the fastest-growing demographic of digital-native smartphone users in the world. Global Leaders in Mobile Money: Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for nearly 70% of the world's total mobile money transaction value, vastly outperforming North America and Europe in mobile financial services. Tailored Tech: Smartphone brands dominating Africa specifically engineer their phones for the continent, prioritizing massive battery capacities to counter inconsistent power grids. The Tech Hub Boom: The explosion of mobile connectivity has birthed thriving tech startup ecosystems—known as "Silicon Savannahs" and "Yaba Valleys"—in hubs like Nairobi, Lagos, and Cape Town.

Africa is worried by the large-scale importation of used computers from the West that poses an environmental hazard to the impoverished continent. Children scavenging rubbish dumps for old computer parts are a common sight in Africa. The activity exposes them to dangerous minerals such as lead, cadmium and toxic fumes emitted from dump sites, experts say. “This is the situation in most African cities where ‘computer villages’ for selling old imported computers, especially laptops, are springing up,” said a spokesman for the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The dumping of used equipment does not end with computers only, but extends to cars, refrigerators, televisions and other electronic devices which African governments should also oppose, activists say. A lot of used cars imported mostly from Europe ply the streets of many African countries, emitting high levels of smoke. But Ben Abedi, an Accra taxi driver expressed misgivings on the workability of any plans to effect a ban.” The Ghanaian government banned the importation of used cars of more than 10 years and placed high import duties, but such cars are all over the country. Nothing has changed,” Abedi said. “The unprecedented importation of old computers into Africa from developed countries to satisfy information technology needs has resulted in electronic waste that adds to environmental pollution,” Ghana’s Environment Minister Kwadwo Adjei-Darko said. “I appeal to developed countries not to use Africa as a dumping site for computers,” he told representatives from 150 countries attending a week-long United Nations conference on climate change. There are international laws banning the export of computer waste but people are getting round this by labelling the shipments "usable second-hand goods". Research shows that about 90 per cent of the computers are just junk. “They just don't work,” says a resident of Ghana. “This is dumping,” he states. There are many computer dumps around many African countries where they contaminate ground water, surface water, the rivers and the streams – thereby raising serious environmental and safety concerns. Related Articles

It is a well known fact that Dubai has emerged as one of the leading supplier of goods to many countries in Africa. Certain trade sectors have reported substantial increase in demand from African countries in the last few years. Many Africans are now travelling to Dubai in increasing numbers to purchase goods and to make direct contacts with suppliers and manufacturers. The improving economic and political situation in many East African countries has resulted in greater buying power for the average person in Africa and has in turn boosted demand for consumer goods. Many companies in Dubai are now looking for agents / distribiutors in Africa. Favourable economic policies adopted by many African countries have also attracted foreign investments in industrial and manufacturing projects - mainly in the several Export Processing Zones (EPZs) that have come up in countries like Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in recent years. This has resulted in greater demand for capital goods, machinery and raw material - a demand that is being met by many Dubai-based enterprises.   The growing demand for goods in Africa is clearly reflected in statistics. Shipping lines servicing the Dubai-Africa route are experiencing a welcome rise in business with the coming of African bulk buyers during the past two to three years. Among the major destinations of UAE exports are Nigeria, Mauritania, Senegal, Gabon, Ghana and the Ivory Coast in West Africa, and Tanzania, Uganda and Kenya in East Africa. On an average, freight rates to Africa cost around $2200 to $2600 for a 20-foot container, which has a capacity of 21 tonnes. For a 40-foot container with a capacity of 26.5 tonnes, current rates are between $4900 and $5600. The surge in the number of African visitors is a new phenomenon, although Dubai has traditional links with East Africa. As a result of low import duties and the strategic location of the country between major markets and manufacturing countries, prices of almost all consumer and commercial products are extremely competitive and the variety of products vast. Anything and everything you may look for, be it handcrafted jewellery, high-tech electronic gadgets, haute couture from Paris, antiques or pure leather accessories, you'll find it all in Dubai - at unbelievable low prices. Besides offering shopping bargains, Dubai also provides you with a unique shopping experience. The traditional souqs of the UAE are undoubtedly the most exotic places to shop in, offering the visitor a typically Middle Eastern shopping extravaganza. Located in the old parts of the city these souqs will take you to the time when the city was just an outpost in the desert. Bustling with activity and crowded with shoppers and traders, these souqs are direct extensions of fabled ancient Arab bazaars. Although many of the Arab businessmen have mostly moved out of these bazaars and most of the business is now handled by expatriates, these souqs have still managed to retain the old-world charm, colour and mystique of a traditional Arab marketplace. Browsing through the souqs of the United Arab Emirates you will find treasured Arab artifacts like veils, hubble-bubble pipes, fishing nets, antique daggers and stones, Persian and Oriental carpets and an entire street wholly devoted to textiles and dress material. You are literally spoilt for choice while shopping in Dubai, known as a shoppers' paradise the world over. In fact, many travellers come to Dubai only for shopping because of the wide variety of goods available here and of course, the attractive prices offered on almost every purchase. Dubai is one of the best places to buy gold. The gold souq in Dubai dazzles one s senses with its sheer glitter. The quality of jewellery available in the Gold Souq is top class, the variety of designs extraordinary and the temptation to buy definitely irresistible. Approximately 150 tonnes of gold is imported into Dubai every year to be shaped into a spectacular array of designs to suit the tastes of various people. Whether it is a gem-crusted gold necklace, an ornate Arabic design, an intricate design from India or just plain coins and pendants, you can find it all in the Gold Souq. If you want to buy a necklace, a bracelet, a ring or earrings in almost any design your heart desires, you will surely find something to satisfy both your taste and your pocket. The prices of jewellery are based on the weight of the gold and an additional charge for labour, so it is always better to check the gold prices in the local media before making a purchase. The prices of all types of gold whether it s 14, 18, 22 or 24 carat, are almost the same in most of the shops - and much cheaper than elsewhere in the world. Adjacent to the Gold Souk is situated the Perfume Bazaar which brings all sorts of pleasant aromas from all over the world within your reach. Fragrance has always been the essence of good upbringing in Asia. The market takes pride in not only bringing to you practically all the leading perfumes but also creating an aroma of high living and sophistication. And remember, these are not mere perfume centres to cater to your luxury but also reservoirs of wisdom of the bygone ages when different oils and perfumes were used to cure many illnesses of body and mind. Electronics and home appliances are other shopping attractions that are almost always on top of the shopping list of visitors to the UAE. The low import duty makes electronic items much cheaper than in other parts of the world. Right from watches, to VCRs, television sets, washing machines, refrigerators, cameras, stereo systems - you ll find them all at prices that will surely be much lower than back home. Meena Bazaar, in Bur Dubai, is an ideal place to shop for textiles and miscellaneous electronic items and home appliances. Located just a short walk away from the Dubai creek, Meena Bazaar also has many opticians who will sell you almost every known brand of sunglasses at rock-bottom prices. They can also make special spectacles and sunglasses either from a prescription or from existing lenses. The cost may vary depending on the job, but you could expect something in the range of Dhs 150 (US$ 42) a pair. No visit to Dubai would be complete without a trip to one of the many modern and futuristic shopping malls in the city. Dubai was the first city in the Gulf to have a proper shopping mall and has taken the lead in providing modern shopping amenities for both visitors and residents. A boom in shopping malls is currently sweeping through the UAE with a number of new malls being added to the list every year. In the last five years itself, over fifteen new shopping malls boasting of state-of-the-art amenities and top of the range architectural design have mushroomed in the city of Dubai alone. Besides the many shopping malls, there are many more clumps of shops and supermarkets that dot the cities of the UAE. Wherever you are staying, a modern supermarket is surely going to be in the nearby vicinity. Shopkeepers throughout the UAE tend to be helpful, sometimes a bit too much, and will offer you special prices for any item that catches your eye. Bargaining in the UAE is an accepted norm except in some of the larger stores. Remember, even the most glamourous of boutiques and stores will come down on their quoted prices and offer you a last price if you insist on having a discount. In fact, many shopkeepers do not even wait to be asked and assume that you expect a discount and themselves adjust the asking price on payment. The best way to find good bargains in the UAE is to browse through the various markets and shopping malls. Your first stop should undoubtedly be the traditional Arabic gift shop to buy something to take home as a souvenir. Traditional gifts include Arabic coffee pots, silver and brass swords and 'khanjars' (curved Arabic daggers), worry beads, soapstone figures, coasters and other items decorated with lapis lazuli, turquoise malachite and other semi-precious stones, marble goblets, silver antique jewellery from Oman, Yemen and locally made artifacts, silver and wooden dhows, Persian carpets and cotton dhurries and an array of other decorative items. The Yellow Pages is an invaluable source of information for any specific product or service you may be looking for. For those who need to make some last minute buys, a little time must be kept away at the Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports, which are known the world over for their duty free outlets. Dubai s Duty Free complex offers one of the best prices in the world and caters to a large number of passengers who buy electronics, watches, perfumes, tobacco, beverages, jewellery, toys, chocolates, cosmetics, china and crystal ware from there. Both Dubai and Abu Dhabi airport duty free shops carry a wide assortment of souvenirs and accept almost all major credit cards and almost any currency. Duty Free outlets at UAE's international airports are world famous for their wide range of variety and excellent prices. Dubai Duty Free, in particular has gained worldwide reputation in its field and has won several international awards. The Dubai Duty Free complex boasts of many shops that have almost everything imaginable. The most popular items at the Dubai Duty Free complex include gold, (though it is advisable to buy from Dubai's gold souk where you will get comparatively better prices), electronics, liquor, cameras and tobacco (there is a special humified room at the DDF to keep quality cigars in perfect conditions). Chocolates, delicatessen, household items, sports goods, leather, designer clothes, toys, cosmetics, carpets, crystal and glassware are some of the other hot selling items at the Dubai Duty Free, known to be one of the best duty free outlets in the world. On your way back from Dubai, make sure that you spend some time at the duty free complex at the airport and enjoy the international shopping bonanza thats on offer Dubai Shopping Festival The annual Dubai Shopping Festival has further bolstered Dubai's status as a shopping paradise. Organised by the Government of Dubai, the Dubai Shopping Festival offers four weeks of discount shopping - some of the lowest prices in the world on luxury and everyday items. The biggest event of its kind in the whole of Middle East, the Festival also features a host of cultural, entertainment and sporting events that further added to the glamour and incentive of the unique promotion. The annual Festival fever grips the city for the 30-day shopping bonanza which sees the city converted into a huge shopping haven with discounts and special rebates offered by most shopping outlets. Throughout the city, visitors got the opportunity to purchase quality merchandise, including electronics, jewellery, household goods, fashionwear, textiles and a bevy of other consumer items at rock bottom prices. The various shopping centres and malls in Dubai offer the visitor a varied shopping experience. Yet, the Dubai Shopping Festival is not for shoppers only. It is a great event for the entire family. During the Festival a number of cultural sideshows, entertainment activities and sporting events are organised to provide fun for everyone. Famous cartoon characters all the way from Disneyland are out on the streets and shopping malls to lend a lively and fun-filled atmosphere to the whole city. One of the main attractions during the Festival is the special Global Village that is set up along the Dubai creek where one could sample exotic foods from all over the world. This is also the place where a lot of people purchase quality handcrafted souvenirs from all over the world which are sold at unbelievably low prices. Related Articles

African countries are in the spotlight once gain as demand in Africa for IT related products like computer hardware, peripherals and accessories continues to grow with the passing of each year. A large portion of this demand is being serviced by Dubai-based computer companies – both traders and manufacturers. The African continent is home to six of the top 10 fastest-growing economies in the world, and foreign direct investment is rapidly increasing. European and Chinese companies of all sizes recognised the African opportunity early on and have a head start. As a result, many computer vendors in Dubai have been keen to set up distribution channels in African countries to capture the growing market in countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Nigeria, Ethiopia and Ghana. Yes, Africa is a tricky market and getting a foothold in African markets is not as easy as it sounds. Problems exist – low purchasing power of the average consumer, trade barriers, high import duties and the challenge of making your mark in African countries have made many suppliers rethink their plans of entering the African markets. But many see an opportunity where others see a challenge. Dubai-based computer vendors have been doing business with African countries for a long time now – having recognised the long-term potential of the African markets. These companies have established themselves as leading suppliers of computer hardware, peripherals and accessories to many African countries. There is a twist in the tale though. Many big multinational computer companies feel unsure about the prospect of developing direct distribution channels in Africa. As it is, their products are being sold in substantially large quantities to African customers through their authorised agents in Dubai. Re-exports of IT products to Africa from Dubai is a lucrative business for the authorised agents for large multinational brands. Bypassing their authorised agents and selling directly into the African markets might have an adverse impact on their overall sales in the Middle East as Dubai has served as a distribution centre and a business hub serving the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. Will these IT giants opt to stay within their re-export and sub-distribution routes or will they prefer to sell directly into African markets remains to be seen. The fact remains that Africa is experiencing robust 11.8% growth in total imports, with significant investments in computing and telecoms hardware to support AI and connectivity, according to the WTO 2025 Outlook. Increased demand for computers, servers, and AI-related equipment is a critical part of the trade growth, with East Asia (Japan, Korea, Taiwan) and emerging economies (Vietnam) strengthening their roles as suppliers of advanced equipment. However, China remains the dominant supplier of computer hardware (HS 8471) and telecom equipment to Africa. The African laptop and tablet market is growing at a steady rate too and is expected to reach an estimated 4.9 million units by 2035. The growing demand for AI digital skills and infrastructure is expected to create 230 million digital jobs across Africa by 2030, further driving the need for computer hardware.