TAGMOA Participates in the International Franchise Opportunities Expo – Jeddah 2025

TAGMOA Participates in the International Franchise Opportunities Expo – Jeddah 2025

The Alliance of Franchise & Trademarks for the Middle East & Africa (TAGMOA) took part in the International Franchise Opportunities Expo – Jeddah 2025, through a working paper presented on 5 September 2025 by H.E. Mohammed Al Madani. This milestone highlights TAGMOA’s growing role as a regional platform dedicated to supporting franchise development and fostering economic integration across the Middle East and Africa.

Organizational Identity of TAGMOA

Founded in 2023 as a non-governmental, non-profit organization (NGO/NPO) headquartered at the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), TAGMOA serves as a centralized platform for franchise business. It embodies a new identity, bringing together Middle Eastern and African countries under one coalition to connect markets, facilitate expansion, and create sustainable franchise ecosystems.

Coalition Members and Expansion Network

The coalition currently includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Morocco, and Kuwait, while also engaging with other Arab countries such as Egypt, Lebanon, Iraq, and Syria. TAGMOA has also set its sights on East Africa—specifically Kenya, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda—where dynamic growth presents significant opportunities for franchise development.

Why TAGMOA?

TAGMOA was established to meet the region’s need for a unified franchise market, with the following objectives:

• Empowering local brands to expand beyond national borders.

• Attracting investment by leveraging the UAE’s financial and logistical hub.

• Supporting economic diversification and job creation across member states.

Inspiring Success Stories

TAGMOA’s impact extends beyond vision into tangible success stories, including:

• Carter & White: A luxury Emirati brand that scaled internationally with the support of TAGMOA’s network.

• Charlie’s Philly Steak: Expanded with a new branch at Galleria Mall – Abu Dhabi, inaugurated in the presence of H.E. Mohammed Al Madani, showcasing TAGMOA’s role as a practical bridge between brands, investors, and regulators.

Market Figures Across the Coalition

Franchise markets in the Gulf are estimated to exceed USD 30 billion, with annual growth rates of 6–8%—among the highest globally due to rising purchasing power and relatively low market saturation. In East Africa, franchise sectors such as food, retail, and education are witnessing annual growth rates of 6–7%, making the region an attractive destination for investors.

Comparison with Global Markets

• Europe: Mature and stable but saturated, with limited entry opportunities.

• Asia: Huge potential (China, India) yet requires significant capital and expertise.

• United States: The world’s largest market (USD 800 billion) but highly competitive and tightly regulated.

• Coalition Markets (Gulf + Africa): Offer new, profitable, and relatively low-risk opportunities with institutional support from TAGMOA.

The Competitive Advantage of the Coalition

• Gulf Strength: Stable regulations, abundant financing, high purchasing power, and global logistical positioning.

• African Growth: 6–7% annual expansion, an emerging middle class, and markets with low franchise penetration.

• TAGMOA as a Bridge: Linking Gulf capital and expertise with African consumer demand, creating a unified franchise market from the Gulf to Africa.

Strategic Orientation of TAGMOA

• Economic Diversification: Enabling SMEs to access franchise opportunities, with focus on new sectors such as health, industry, technology, and sustainability.

• Strategic Alliances: Building partnerships with global franchise associations, training institutions, and investment funds.

• Dispute Resolution & Training: Promoting amicable solutions, hosting workshops, and delivering specialized training in partnership with international bodies such as IFA and CFE.

• Expanding the Franchise Base: Marketing opportunities through B2B platforms, exhibitions, and global networking events, while publishing economic bulletins and market reports.

Conclusion

The presentation of TAGMOA’s working paper by H.E. Mohammed Al Madani on 5 September 2025 during the Jeddah Expo reinforced the coalition’s role as a regional enabler, bridging Gulf financing and expertise with African consumer growth. This solidifies TAGMOA’s position as a vital platform for local and international brands seeking sustainable expansion across the Middle East and Africa.