In Addis Ababa, we co-convened, alongside ODI Global Advisory, the first regional dialogue under the Gulf-Arab Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GAASPI), bringing together policymakers, investors, business leaders and development partners to examine how Gulf-Africa economic cooperation can move into its next phase.

The relationship between the Gulf and Africa spans centuries but it is now evolving substantially. Gulf investment in Africa has passed USD 100 billion and trade sits around USD 120 billion, as both regions diversify their economies and rebalance their strategic partnerships in a shifting global order. The question is how to turn that momentum into lasting economic transformation and mutually beneficial relationship.

In his opening remarks, Ansoumane CAMARA, Founder and CEO of Gravitas, set out what GAASPI is built to achieve: “Diplomacy creates trust; trust unlocks capital at scale, strengthening Africa’s economic transformation while supporting Gulf priorities at the same time.” He added that “capital comes with trust, and trust is built through credibility. This is what GAASPI offers: a sovereign-grade platform for a strategic partnership, offering African leaders the opportunity to present their priorities with clarity and credibility.

To the Gulf, it offers a credible route into African opportunities.”  We thank ODI Global Advisory for co-organising this convening, in collaboration with the Institute of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia and the support of the Embassy of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in London for making this possible. We also express our sincere gratitude to all the speakers, government officials and partners who contributed their perspectives.  This first dialogue marks the start of the journey to the inaugural GAASPI Summit in Abidjan in 2027. We look forward to continuing the conversation in our upcoming convenings across South Africa, Morocco, Ghana and the Gulf.