Gulf–Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI)

A Bridge Across the Red Sea

GASPI 2025: Dec 20-27
Renewing Centuries of Connection Between Africa and the Gulf

For generations, the Red Sea has united Africa and the Gulf — a corridor of faith, trade, and shared destiny. GASPI 2025 revives this historic bond, transforming cultural and spiritual ties into engines of modern cooperation. From commerce to compassion, this initiative builds the bridge where shared heritage meets shared opportunity.

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Where Vision Meets Partnership

GASPI 2025: Dec 20-27
Driving Economic, Humanitarian, and Cultural Collaboration

GASPI 2025 is more than a conference — it’s a platform of action. Through high-level dialogues, investment forums, and humanitarian alliances, African and Gulf leaders will shape concrete outcomes in trade, energy, food security, and development. Together, we turn strategic vision into tangible progress, laying the foundation for a decade of shared growth.

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One Mission, One Future

GASPI 2025: Dec 20-27
The African–Gulf Partnership Mission

Hosted across Riyadh, Al-Qassim, Jeddah, Makkah, and Madinah, this historic mission unites government, business, and civil society in a journey of purpose and faith. Through dialogue, Umrah, and cultural exchange, GASPI 2025 affirms a collective commitment — to transform shared history into shared futures, and to make the Africa–Gulf partnership a global model of South–South cooperation.

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Background & Rationale

Africa and the Gulf region are bound by centuries of history, culture, and faith. The Red Sea has never been a barrier but a bridge, linking African and Arab societies through commerce, migration, pilgrimage, and cultural exchange. Today, as both regions face rapid transformation, there is a unique opportunity to renew and deepen these bonds in ways that drive prosperity, peace, and shared development.

Economic & Trade Context

Trade between Africa and the Gulf has grown steadily, reaching an estimated $80–100 billion annually in recent years, with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar among the leading Gulf investors on the continent.
Gulf countries are increasingly investing in infrastructure, energy, agriculture, and logistics, aligning with Africa’s need for capital-intensive development projects.
Africa’s Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)—covering 1.4 billion people and a combined GDP of over $3.4 trillion—creates unprecedented opportunities for Gulf investors seeking long-term partnerships.
Gulf nations, through diversification strategies such as Saudi Vision 2030 and the UAE Centennial 2071, are looking to expand their global economic reach, with Africa positioned as a strategic partner in food security, renewable energy, and emerging markets.

Humanitarian & Development Linkages

Beyond trade, Gulf countries remain among the largest humanitarian and development donors in Africa. From healthcare and education to emergency relief, Gulf institutions—governmental and non-governmental—play a pivotal role in supporting Africa’s social development agenda. Strengthening coordination ensures that aid and investments create sustainable, long-term impact.

Cultural & Religious Bonds

Shared cultural and religious heritage further cements Africa–Gulf ties:

Millions of African Muslims travel annually for Hajj and Umrah, forging people-to-people links that go beyond diplomacy and economics.
Cities like Makkah and Madinah are central to African spiritual life, while African scholars and leaders historically influenced Islamic thought in the Gulf.
This mission’s inclusion of Umrah and Madinah visits honors these deep spiritual connections and provides a unique setting for reflection, networking, and building trust.

Why 2025?

The year 2025 marks a strategic juncture:

Africa’s youth population will surpass 500 million, creating both a challenge and an opportunity for jobs, education, and innovation.
Gulf nations are accelerating their economic diversification, seeking reliable partners for investment, trade, and food security.
Global South cooperation is gaining momentum, and Africa–Gulf collaboration can stand as a model of South–South partnership for the coming decade.

Against this backdrop, GASPI 2025 is not just a conference, but a movement to transform shared history into shared futures.

Key Outcomes

Diplomatic Cooperation

25+ bilateral/multilateral meetings held.

5–10 MoUs signed between African and Gulf ministries.

Trade & Investment

$50M+ in investment pledges.

Launch of Africa–Gulf Business & Investment Council.

Dozens of B2B deals initiated.

Humanitarian & Development

Joint funding commitments in health, education, food security, climate resilience.

Creation of Gulf–Africa Humanitarian Working Group.

Cultural & Religious Solidarity

Delegation-wide Umrah & Madinah visits.

Special session on faith, culture, and diplomacy.

Institutionalization

Launch of Africa–Gulf Partnership Roadmap 2025–2035.

Announcement of annual continuation with 2026 host country.

Media & Visibility

20+ international media outlets covering the event.

Professional documentation (press releases, videos, reports).

News & Latest Developments

Saudi Arabia Announces Historic $1 Trillion Investment into the United States

NewsNovember 21, 2025

GASPI Highlights Opportunity for Africa

Briefing of His Excellency the President of the Republic of The Gambia

NewsNovember 21, 2025

The meeting was convened to update the President on GASPI’s engagements.

Cooperation between GASPI and Association des Maires du Sénégal (AMS)

NewsNovember 17, 2025

The meeting also served as a preparatory engagement ahead of the Gulf-Africa Strategic Partnership Summit.

MoU Signing Between GASPI and the Lord Mayoress of Banjul

NewsNovember 15, 2025

An official introduction of the Gulf–Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative to the leadership of REFELA and opened the door to strengthened collaboration between Banjul and Riyadh.

Al-Rousan Company joins GASPI

NewsNovember 10, 2025

The CEO of Al-Rousan Company and his team meet with GASPI CEO Demba Hydara in Al Qassim, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Join Global Leaders

The Gulf–Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI) 2025 will bring together a select group of leaders, institutions, and organizations from Africa and the Gulf.

Badr Dalhim A.F. Al-Hajri

CEO, The Ten Intelligent Network ; Qatar Chamber of Commerce, Ambassador & Head of Delegation, State of Qatar 
Qatar

Chief Executive Officer of The Ten Intelligent Network for Advertising, Consulting, and Commercial Mediation, based in Qatar.
Ambassador and Head of Delegation representing Qatar in international trade and diplomatic engagements.
Active member of the Qatar Chamber of Commerce, supporting national and regional economic cooperation.
Host of the Business Community under the Gulf-Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI).
Collaborates closely with Al-Rousan Company and regional stakeholders to strengthen Gulf–Africa trade relations.
Promotes strategic partnerships, investment opportunities, and cross-border business initiatives.
Committed to advancing sustainable development, innovation, and mutually beneficial economic growth between the Gulf and African regions.

His Royal Highness Prince Dr. Faisal bin Mishaal bin Saud Al Saud

Governor of Al-Qassim Region 
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Governor of Al-Qassim Region, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Host of the Gulf-Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI) in Al-Qassim.
Plays a leading role in advancing regional cooperation, economic partnerships, and development diplomacy between the Gulf and Africa.
Associated with The Ten Intelligent Network for Advertising, Consulting, and Commercial Mediation, based in the State of Qatar.
Committed to fostering innovation, strategic investment, and cross-regional collaboration.

Ahmed Al-Rousan

Chief Executive Officer of Al-Rousan Company; GASPI Business Community Host Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Chief Executive Officer of Al-Rousan Company, a leading enterprise engaged in strategic business development and commercial partnerships.
Host of the Business Community under the Gulf-Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI).
Plays a key role in facilitating Gulf–Africa trade and investment linkages.
Supports public-private partnerships, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business collaboration.
Dedicated to promoting economic growth, cross-border cooperation, and innovation-led enterprise development.

Mr. Demba Hydara

Executive Chair, Gulf–Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI)
The Gambia

Mr. Demba Hydara serves as the Executive Chair of the Gulf–Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI), where he provides visionary leadership to a rapidly expanding platform dedicated to fostering robust political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian cooperation between Africa and the Gulf region. With extensive experience in international relations, strategic diplomacy, and global partnership development, Mr. Hydara has been instrumental in positioning GASPI as a vital bridge for cross-regional collaboration. He is celebrated for his ability to forge strategic coalitions, convene high-level missions, and drive dialogue that yields tangible development outcomes across municipal diplomacy, trade, investment, women’s and youth empowerment, humanitarian programs, and cultural exchange. Through his guidance, GASPI actively unites governments, private sectors, and global institutions, reflecting his unwavering commitment to inclusive growth and a shared future rooted in mutual respect and sustainable impact.

Her Imperial Highness Princess YAV Mwad Yowa

Princess of the Mwant-a-YHWH Dynasty, Ruund (Lunda) Empire
Democratic Republic of Congo

Princess of the ancient Ruund (Lunda) Empire, representing the dynasty of Mwant-a-YHWH.
Practitioner and global advocate of Ubuntu philosophy and Ubuntu diplomacy.
Founder & President, Executive Committee of the Council of Elders of Empire and Kingdom of Africa (COEEKA / COSERA).
Founder, COSERA Business Network, fostering pan-African business collaboration.
Chairperson, L’Etoile d’Afrique (The Star of Africa) – a charitable and cultural organization dedicated to preserving the Congo Basin and combating global warming.
Chairperson, YAV Chang Foundation, supporting community development and empowerment.
Companies Administrator & International Consultant specializing in African trade and investment.
Chief Business Development Officer, New Subira-Confort & SBR-Transmetaux (Mining).
Founder, Imperial House of N’Kalaany, an African luxury concept brand offering lifestyle, private jet charter, and concierge services.
Dedicated to economic empowerment, cultural preservation, and sustainable African development.

Mohamed El Ghaly Kane

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, MGH KANE Consulting
Republic of Mauritania

A distinguished 35-year career at Mauritania’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, he brings profound expertise in trade negotiations and fostering international partnerships. Mr. Kane specializes in consulting and strategy, financial intermediation, and conducting comprehensive market and environmental studies. He is particularly adept at assisting foreign companies in successfully establishing their presence in Mauritania and the wider sub-region. His extensive know-how also encompasses significant trading experience in petroleum, as well as essential food commodities such as rice, sugar, and fertilizers.

Ousseynou Sarr

Co-Founder, West Africa One Management Senegal

Co-Founder of West Africa One Management, a strategic advisory firm enhancing international collaboration for local governments across Senegal.
Facilitated participation of over 130 Senegalese mayors in official missions to Türkiye, Dubai, Russia, and Brazil since 2021.
Promotes city-to-city cooperation, twinning agreements, and high-level public-private partnerships (B2B engagements).
Background in diplomacy, contributing to his effective international engagement.
Actively involved in import–export, construction and public works, and premium real estate development in Dakar, Senegal.
Recognized as a forward-thinking leader committed to building strategic bridges between Africa and global economic hubs.
Focused on advancing sustainable growth and transformative development across the region.

Jocelyn Celaya

CEO, Global Director of Partnerships, Internet Village, Radical Classical Enterprises
USA

Grammy Ballot–Nominated radical classical guitarist and policy-based lyricist.
Global Director of Partnerships for Internet Village, based in The Gambia, Africa.
Recognized Subject-Matter Expert on Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy.
Experienced economic designer for SME development and Liquidity Financial Instruments and Programs.
Focuses on economic trade, investment facilitation, and humanitarian initiatives.
Promotes Liquidity Diplomacy as a tool for sustainable peace and inclusive economic growth.
Combines creative artistry with economic policy expertise to advance global cooperation and innovation.

Ibtihal Abil

SAP FICO Consultant & Business Manager; Founder, OUAABIL-CONNECT
Morocco

Founder of OUAABIL-CONNECT, a consulting and business support firm based in Morocco.
Specialist in SAP FICO, business consulting, management coaching, and digital transformation.
Dedicated to advancing organizational excellence through strategic consulting and performance optimization.
Supports enterprises in enhancing operational efficiency and optimizing financial systems.
Integrates technology and leadership to drive innovation and sustainable growth.
Strong advocate for youth empowerment and international cooperation.
Actively contributes to initiatives that strengthen Gulf–Africa collaboration.

Lissa Baba Niang

Senior Organizational Development & Public Policy Evaluation Expert
Senegal, Canada

A highly accomplished expert with over two decades of high-level experience in organizational management, public policy evaluation, and strategic planning across Africa, North America, and the Gulf. Holding an MBA in Organizational Development Strategy, her extensive background spans international cooperation, education systems, and public policy reform. Lissa has served as a seasoned evaluation specialist and senior advisor for governments, global institutions like the World Bank and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and development partners, guiding major public programs and multi-country initiatives. Her core competencies include Results-Based Management, institutional capacity building, donor coordination, and impact evaluations, with a proven track record in supervising infrastructure projects, empowering women across West Africa, and leading comprehensive sectoral assessments. A multilingual communicator fluent in English, French, Italian, and Wolof, Lissa is renowned for her leadership, analytical prowess, and ability to transform intricate challenges into practical solutions.

Bay Chabbi Fatma

Businesswoman & Consultant; Member, Al-Rousan Company & Host Team – Business Community
Republic of Niger

Prominent businesswoman from the Republic of Niger.
Consultant specializing in Middle East business relations and cross-regional cooperation.
Actively engaged in strengthening Gulf–Africa trade and investment partnerships.
Focused on women’s economic empowerment, entrepreneurship, and international business development.
Dedicated to advancing collaborative growth, innovation, and mutual prosperity between the Gulf and African regions.

Franck B. Boucher

GASPI Youth Representative in Senegal
Republic of Senegal

Founder of AFRICPLATFORM / The Africare Group SARL, leading two pan-African organizations active in investment management, public relations, territorial governance, project management, and education across West Africa.
Director of Partnerships & International Relations at the National Union of Business Owners of Senegal (UNPES), strengthening national and regional private-sector collaboration.
Professor and Consultant in Management & Business Mindset, contributing to higher education and executive training with a strong emphasis on African developmental realities.
Youth Speaker and Specialist on African Realities, particularly within the Senegal–ECOWAS region, advocating for youth empowerment and continental development.
Over 15 years of experience across multiple West African countries, with deep connections in Africa’s entrepreneurial and SME/SMI ecosystems.
Founder of the African Economic and Cultural Forum, a platform dedicated to SMEs/SMIs, young entrepreneurs, African mayors, and private-sector actors.
Recipient of the prestigious “Antonio Guterres Prize” for Young African Diplomats (UN), recognizing his contributions to diplomacy and African unity.
Honored with the Diplomatic Excellence Award in Food Security in the Sahel, acknowledging his impact on economic diplomacy and regional development.
Recognized as an African Diplomat for Economic Reunification and the Unity of African Peoples, promoting cooperation across borders.
Strong advocate for education as the foundation of Africa’s endogenous development, with extensive experience as a professor in higher education.
Passionate business leader committed to strengthening leadership, partnerships, and economic opportunities for young African entrepreneurs.

JOIN THE MISSION

The Gulf–Africa Strategic Partnership Initiative (GASPI) 2025 seeks to create a premier, recurring platform that unites Africa and the Gulf in advancing shared economic, humanitarian, and cultural goals.

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