SMART LINKS

The Africa–UAE Business Gateway

Advice, partners and projects between Africa and the Gulf.

Dubai · Dakar · Active across Africa UAE ⇄ AFRICA

Our mission

“To connect people, markets, capital and opportunities by building trusted strategic partnerships between Africa, the UAE and the rest of the world.”

Our vision

To become a leading strategic business platform and trusted gateway for investment, partnerships and project development between Africa and global markets.

Dubai Marina towers reflected in the water

Who we work with

Built for investors, companies and institutions

Office towers in Dubai at sunset

For Gulf investors

We source and screen opportunities in African and Middle Eastern markets and connect you with project developers and partners whose plans fit your mandate.

Dubai Creek harbour with the city skyline behind

For companies entering new markets

Market intelligence, local partners and business development support to establish or expand in Africa and the Middle East.

Lit highway interchange in an African city at night

For governments & institutions

Support for public bodies and project developers looking for investors, technical partners and stakeholders, with coordination from project structuring to implementation.

How we work

One partner from first opportunity to project delivery

SMART LINKS is a UAE-based business consultancy and business development company. We draw on a network of business leaders, investors and public and private sector stakeholders to support clients through each stage.

  1. 01

    Identify

    We map opportunities, assess markets and source potential partners, using market intelligence and local knowledge.

  2. 02

    Connect

    We introduce you to the companies, investors, project developers, suppliers and institutions that fit your objectives.

  3. 03

    Coordinate

    We support market entry and coordinate projects with investors, technical partners and stakeholders through to implementation.

Services

What we do

Business Consultancy

Guidance for companies, investors and organisations developing or expanding in African and Middle Eastern markets.

Advisory Services

Advice on business strategy, partnerships, investment positioning, stakeholder engagement and growth.

Business Development

Identifying commercial opportunities, partners, investors, clients and alliances.

Trade Facilitation

Introductions between companies, investors, project developers, suppliers, distributors and institutions, and access to international markets.

Market Entry Advisory

Helping international companies establish or expand in Africa and the Middle East through market intelligence and local partnerships.

Project Development & Coordination

Identifying, structuring and coordinating projects with investors, technical partners and stakeholders.

Events & Conferences

Business forums, investment conferences, trade missions, networking events and executive meetings.

Smart Solutions

Technology-enabled solutions for operational efficiency, modernisation and sustainable development.

Sectors

Focus sectors

Our initial focus is on sectors where partnerships between African markets, the UAE and international investors can create long-term value.

  • 01Infrastructure
  • 02Transport & logistics
  • 03Energy
  • 04Technology
  • 05Smart solutions
  • 06Tourism
  • 07Real estate
  • 08Agriculture
  • 09Industrial development
  • 10International trade

Transport & logistics: our Managing Director previously led Dakar Dem Dikk, Senegal's national public transport company.

The Gateway

African markets, one link to the Gulf

We connect partners in African markets with investors, companies and institutions in the UAE and international markets.

Gulf side

  • Investors
  • Family offices
  • Companies
  • Institutions

Africa side

  • Governments
  • Project developers
  • Local partners

International

  • Global investors
  • Technical partners
  • Suppliers

Who leads SMART LINKS

Leadership

Assane Mbengue, Co-Founder and Managing Director of SMART LINKS

Assane Mbengue

Co-Founder & Managing Director

Assane Mbengue is the former Director General of Dakar Dem Dikk, Senegal's national public transport company. He leads SMART LINKS and its work with clients, investors and institutions across Africa and the UAE.

Contact

Start a conversation

Planning to invest, expand or find partners between Africa and the Gulf? Tell us about your organisation and what you are looking for. A member of the SMART LINKS team will reply to you.

Email
info@smartlinksadvisory.com
Offices
Dakar, Senegal
Dubai, UAE (opening soon)