International investment Summit strengthens economic partnerships between Gulf Cooperation Countries and the African continent
The 5th annual South African State-Owned Companies (SOC) Investment Summit brought together more than 100 investors, business leaders, and government officials from the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC) to strengthen economic cooperation between Africa and the Gulf region.
Held at the Waldorf Astoria in Dubai from 22-24 September 2025, the Summit showcased investment opportunities for GCC investors, with particular focus on the UAE's growing economic partnership with South Africa and the broader African continent. Key South African state-owned entities in attendance included Transnet, Eskom, SANRAL, Rand Water, and the Government Employee Pension Fund (GEPF).
Dr. Rassem Zok, CE Middle East and North Africa, Standard Bank Group, said: “this summit comes at a crucial time, as attention is turning to building effective strategic partnerships between the GCC countries and the African continent. We, in the UAE, believe in our vital role as a global hub that connects markets and provides a conducive environment for investment and transcontinental economic cooperation,”
“The Summit also aims to foster dialogue between decision-makers and investors, creating opportunities for sustainable infrastructure projects that will drive continental development. The GCC countries, with their advanced infrastructure and well-established international relations, continue to consolidate their position as reliable partners for comprehensive economic development in Africa and beyond,” said Zok.
The Summit underscores the GCC’s pivotal role as a global gateway for trade and capital flows between Africa and international markets, a role reinforced by progressive economic policies, world-class infrastructure, and a strategic geographic location. It also spotlights current and upcoming Emirati investments across priority sectors such as transformative infrastructure, energy, logistics, and advanced technologies. Targeted projects include the development of ports, railways, free zones, and distribution centres that connect South Africa to markets in the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
In addition, the summit explored the importance of regional and international trade corridors linking African countries to global markets. These corridors were presented as strategic pathways for advancing regional integration and inclusive economic development, alongside discussions on prospects for trilateral cooperation between the GCC, South Africa, and other African markets.
The agenda aligned with major shifts in the global economy, particularly in the context of international events such as the G20 Summit to be hosted by South Africa later this year, lending additional weight to this gathering as it helps shape the future of international economic cooperation in the years ahead.