Abidjan, Led by Mr. Assey Kouakou and Mr. Bagaté Olivier, STAR Groupe Inter Services Pluriels is expanding the African Emirati Business Summit as a platform connecting African businesses, investors and development leaders with opportunities in the United Arab Emirates.
As economic ties between Africa and the Gulf continue to evolve, STAR Groupe Inter Services Pluriels is pursuing a clear ambition: to create stronger connections between African entrepreneurs and international business ecosystems.
At the heart of that vision is the African Emirati Business Summit (AEBS), whose 8th edition will take place in the United Arab Emirates under the theme:
“Africa – Emirates: Opportunities Without Borders.”
A BRIDGE BETWEEN AFRICA AND THE UAE
For STAR Groupe, AEBS is designed to be more than a business gathering in Dubai. Over successive editions, it has developed as a platform bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, institutions, decision-makers and project owners from Africa and the UAE.
Its growing African network reflects that ambition. AEBS now has representatives and relays across several countries, including Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Congo, Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Cameroon and Morocco, with plans to further expand its footprint across the continent.
«“Our ambition is to build a lasting bridge. We want African entrepreneurs to access new networks, present their projects internationally and turn meaningful connections into concrete opportunities,” the organiser say.»
CONNECTING BUSINESS, RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE
AEBS has also developed another dimension: showcasing African achievement and recognising individuals and organisations contributing to development.
Through its Excellence and Leadership Awards, the platform celebrates entrepreneurs, business leaders, institutions and development actors whose initiatives and achievements contribute to economic and social progress.
For STAR Groupe, recognition is not simply ceremonial. It is also about giving African success stories greater international visibility.
«“Behind every achievement is a vision, years of work, sacrifice and a story worth telling. AEBS also aims to provide an international platform for those whose work is contributing to Africa’s development.”»
A STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH LMB
The initiative is strengthened by the partnership between STAR Groupe Inter Services Pluriels and LMB Projects Management Services, led by CEO Linda Benallal.
The collaboration provides an important link between the African network surrounding AEBS and the UAE business environment.
Together, the partners aim to facilitate business connections, encourage investment dialogue and create opportunities for African companies seeking international exposure and strategic partnerships.
CREDIBILITY BUILT OVER TIME
Now approaching its 8th edition, AEBS is also seeking to build on the institutional relationships developed over the years.
Engagement with business and institutional stakeholders, together with the confidence shown by different diplomatic representatives, has helped strengthen the platform’s profile.
For Assey Kouakou and Bagaté Olivier, however, that confidence comes with responsibility.
«“Credibility is not declared; it is built over time. Every institution, diplomatic representative and partner that places its trust in this initiative challenges us to raise our standards and increase its impact.”»
The 8th edition therefore represents another step in STAR Groupe’s broader ambition for AEBS: to develop a pan-African platform that connects opportunities, facilitates cross-border relationships and gives greater international visibility to African excellence.
Its theme captures that ambition:
“AFRICA – EMIRATES: OPPORTUNITIES WITHOUT BORDERS.”
For STAR Groupe Inter Services Pluriels, the message is straightforward: Africa has projects, talent and opportunities to offer — and the right connections can help take them beyond borders.
AEBS 2026 — From Handshakes to Opportunities.
