Dubai to host African marketplace 2025, spotlighting Africa, Caribbean innovation
Dubai is set to welcome African Marketplace Dubai 2025 from November 12 to 15, a four-day trade and cultural exhibition bringing together 200 leading export-ready brands, creators, and SMEs from Africa and the Caribbean.
The event will take place at the Grand Hyatt Hotel and promises to celebrate the region’s finest in fashion, beauty, wellness, agriculture, technology, art, and lifestyle.
The exhibition aims to tackle one of Africa’s most persistent challenges—sustainable access to global markets—by providing a platform for product discovery, investment dialogue, and brand storytelling.
Emerging and established brands will engage with global buyers, distributors, and investors, while participating in business development sessions, creative showcases, and policy discussions to strengthen cross-border trade and collaboration.
Confirmed exhibitors include legacy brands such as Tiffany Amber, House of Tara, Oriki Group, Winston Leather, Femi Handbags, Morin O, Gbenga Artsmith, Fashionedge, and Arami Essentials, alongside a new generation of creators shaping Africa and the Caribbean’s cultural and economic narrative.
Participating countries include Nigeria, Ghana, Togo, Senegal, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, the UAE, the UK, and the US, highlighting the event’s global scope.
International brands such as Ambiance by Talata (Ghana), Tote London (UK), Belliche (Seychelles), and Cornice Beauty (Tanzania) will also feature, further establishing the event as a dynamic convergence of culture, creativity, and commerce across continents.
Among the highlights is a special chess showcase by Tunde Onakoya, who will simultaneously play against 50 challengers using his iconic Adire Chess Board, a fusion of Yoruba artistry and strategic brilliance.
The event will spotlight African creativity, intellect, and excellence on an international stage.
The exhibition is powered by the Ibukun Awosika Leadership Academy (IALA) and supported by a network of sponsors, including Afreximbank, Access Bank, Lagos State Tourism, Wema Bank (SARA), Bank of Industry, GText Holdings, Moniepoint, Nexim Bank, and Sterling Bank.
Strategic partners include the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), African Business Heroes (ABH), TVC Communications, Togo Mall, Ecobank Ghana, and FCMB SheVentures.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Founder of IALA, described African Marketplace Dubai 2025 as a defining moment for the continent and the Caribbean.
“African Marketplace Dubai represents a moment to show the world not just what we make, but who we are.
”For too long, global trade conversations have been about Africa’s potential; now, they will be about Africa’s presence.
”This platform gives our entrepreneurs, creators, and brands the visibility, access, and credibility they deserve on a world-class stage,” she said.
Mrs. Awosika added that the exhibition would spotlight a generation of innovators transforming local industries and reshaping how the world engages with African and Caribbean commerce, culture, and creativity.
African Marketplace Dubai 2025 is expected to draw global attention to the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation emerging from the two regions, providing opportunities for investment, partnerships, and expanded market reach.
