Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy (IALA) unveils African Marketplace Dubai 2025 a first-of-its-kind event that aims to celebrate and connect export-ready brands from across the continent and diaspora to international opportunities.
Slated for the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Dubai, this four-day showcase will bring together over 250 exhibitors, highlighting sectors such as fashion, tech, agriculture, creative arts, textiles, and more.
According to the organisers, the exhibition is designed not just to sell products but to shift global perception, unlock access to new markets, and foster lasting cultural and business partnerships.
“African Marketplace Dubai is our opportunity to introduce the best of our continent and the Caribbean to the world in a powerful way,” said Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, founder of IALA.
“This isn’t just about products on display, it’s about shifting perception, opening doors, and showing that our excellence belongs at the centre of global conversations.”
Moreover, Dubai’s appeal as a host city cannot be overlooked.
With its world-class infrastructure, booming tourism, and status as a trade magnet for over 200 nationalities, the city offers an ideal backdrop for such an event.
In partnership with the Department of Economy and Tourism of Dubai, IALA seeks to use this global stage to drive visibility, trade deals, and investment for African and Caribbean businesses.
The organisers stressed the importance of sustainable visibility for African SMEs, stating that this event will create a long-term trade and investment pipeline.
“Dubai gives us a global stage that’s both strategic and symbolic,” Mrs. Awosika emphasized.
“It’s a place where over 200 nationalities live, trade, and influence culture.”
Furthermore, the exhibition is expected to attract thousands of international visitors, providing unmatched opportunities for brand exposure, cross-border deals, and vibrant cultural exchanges.
In addition to physical products, the platform also plans to spotlight digital innovations, creative talents, and regional stories that reflect the diversity and excellence of the participating regions.
In a time when Africa and the Caribbean are making stronger calls for inclusion in global markets, African Marketplace Dubai 2025 stands as a celebratory step in the right direction.
