Qatar Chamber participates in STIC ’26 in Burkina Faso

The Qatar Chamber recently took part in the inaugural Sahel Tech Innovation Challenge (STIC 26) held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso. The theme of the event was 'Artificial Intelligence Solutions for Africa'. Board members Mohamed bin Mahdi al-Ahbabi and Dr Mohamed bin Jawhar al-Mohamed attended the gathering, alongside ministers, investors, and innovators from across the region.

Over 600 project proposals from 23 African countries were submitted to the inaugural edition, focusing on transformative technology solutions in agriculture, healthcare, education, and finance.

The chamber's involvement in the event underscores its dedication to enhancing its relationships with business communities across Africa, exploring the potential of emerging technologies and AI, and emphasizing their role in promoting economic development and environmental sustainability. Al-Ahbabi stated that the participation offers a crucial platform to exhibit the Qatari private sector's capabilities, discover new avenues for collaboration in technology and digital transformation, and facilitate the sharing of expertise and experiences among companies and business leaders.

Dr Mohamed bin Jawhar al-Mohamed highlighted that STIC 26 underscores the rapid growth of Africa's technology sector. He noted that it confirms the potential of African youth to develop innovative solutions, driving progress towards a more diversified and sustainable economy. Al-Mohamed explained that the chamber's involvement in the event is based on its belief that successful economic cooperation goes beyond traditional trade and investment.

He affirmed that genuine partnership necessitates exchanging knowledge, fostering innovation, building capacity, and establishing new collaborative opportunities between business communities.

Al-Mohamed emphasized that technology, AI, and the digital economy present promising avenues for cooperation between Qatar, Burkina Faso, and the broader African continent. In the face of rapid global economic changes, he stressed the growing demand for innovative digital solutions that enhance productivity, improve business competitiveness, and create fresh opportunities for young people.

He also highlighted the diverse range of potential areas for cooperation between the Qatari private sector and its Burkina Faso counterpart, including technology, artificial intelligence, digital services, education, industry, logistics, entrepreneurship, and investment. Al-Mohamed called upon investors and business leaders to view Africa as a genuine partner in shaping the future, citing its abundant human capital, expanding markets, and significant cross-sector opportunities.