The Voice of Africa

Sharjah Investment & Development Authority and Africa: Building a Scalable Development and Tourism Partnership

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Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) has established itself as one of the most disciplined and strategically aligned development authorities in the United Arab Emirates. Its mandate is clear and execution-driven: to transform Sharjah into a leading destination for investment, tourism, and sustainable development while preserving the emirate’s cultural identity.

Shurooq’s approach is not limited to project development. It operates through an integrated model that combines infrastructure, tourism, culture, and economic growth into a single framework. This has enabled Sharjah to build a diversified and resilient economy while maintaining its position as one of the region’s leading cultural capitals.

The results are measurable. Sharjah continues to attract significant foreign investment, sustain the largest SME base in the UAE, and expand its tourism and logistics footprint. Developments such as Mleiha, Kalba, Maryam Island, and Sharjah Sustainable City demonstrate a consistent ability to deliver projects that are commercially viable, environmentally responsible, and culturally grounded.

This model aligns directly with UAE Vision 2031, particularly across economic diversification, sustainability, global partnerships, and human capital development. Shurooq is not simply aligned with the national vision—it is actively delivering it.


Africa as a Strategic Expansion Market

Africa represents one of the most important growth markets globally. Its demographic structure, expanding urban centers, and increasing demand for infrastructure and tourism position it as a long-term investment destination.

At the same time, many African markets require structured investment, sustainable development models, and institutional partnerships. Sectors such as eco-tourism, real estate, and cultural infrastructure remain underdeveloped relative to their potential.

Shurooq’s capabilities are directly applicable in this context. Its experience in developing integrated, sustainable, and culturally aligned projects positions it as a strong partner for African expansion.

However, successful entry into Africa requires more than capital and expertise. It requires access to networks, market intelligence, and credible platforms.


The Role of The Voice of Africa (TVOA)

The Voice of Africa (TVOA), led by Kadmiel Van Der Puije, operates as a multi-platform ecosystem connecting Africa to global markets through media, tourism, youth development, culture, and investment.

This positioning has received international recognition. Kadmiel was named a “Misk 20 Under 30” honoree by the Misk Foundation, an initiative recognizing global leaders shaping innovation, culture, and development. This recognition reinforces TVOA’s credibility within Gulf and international ecosystems.

TVOA’s role is not symbolic. It functions as a structured bridge between Africa and global institutions, addressing the core barriers that have historically limited market entry and engagement.


How TVOA’s Subsidiaries Align with Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq)

 

TVOA Media 

TVOA Media serves as the organization’s primary narrative platform. As a United Nations–accredited media entity, it provides global visibility, shapes perception, and enables institutions to position themselves effectively within African markets. For Shurooq, this creates a controlled and credible pathway for brand positioning across the continent.

Kadmiel Van Der Puije (CEO of The Voice of Africa) leading a workshop at Yale University on African Media

Experience Africa 

Experience Africa functions as a high-level cultural diplomacy platform. By convening embassies, investors, creatives, and policymakers, it demonstrates TVOA’s ability to operate within complex, multi-stakeholder environments. This aligns directly with Shurooq’s culture-driven development strategy.

Experience Africa at American University

Experience Africa Tours 

Experience Africa Tours translates engagement into tourism flows through curated travel experiences. This aligns closely with Shurooq’s eco-tourism and destination development model, creating opportunities for cross-regional tourism growth.

Experience Africa Tours, Ghana November 2025 Tour

TVOA Trade, Investment and Tourism Forum 

The TVOA Forum provides a structured interface for investment and partnership development, connecting governments, investors, and businesses. It offers Shurooq a direct and coordinated pathway into African markets.

Sharaf Mahama, President of Ghana’s Son & Founder of Legacy Rise Sports Presenting at The Voice of Africa’s Diaspora Connect Room event at Hopkins SAIS, Washington D.C., April 2025

Ambassador of Africa 

Ambassador of Africa builds a pipeline of young African leaders through mentorship and global exposure. This aligns with Shurooq’s people development pillar and UAE Vision 2031’s focus on future-ready societies.

Kadmiel & Kemuel Van Der Puije (CEO & COO, The Voice of Africa) at the inaugural Ambassador of Africa Masterclass, Duke University

TVOA Sports 

TVOA Sports connects African athletes to global opportunities, reinforcing cultural exchange and expanding international engagement through sports diplomacy.

Kadmiel Van Der Puije (CEO, The Voice of Africa) & Rio Ferdinand — Global Football Icon & Premier League Hall of Famer

 

How TVOA’s Social Impact Partners Align with Sharjah Investment and Development Authority

TVOA’s ecosystem is reinforced by development-focused partners that align closely with Shurooq’s sustainability framework and UAE Vision 2031.


The Father’s Haven Foundation 

The Father’s Haven Foundation provides housing, education, and long-term support for vulnerable children, aligning with social wellbeing and inclusive growth priorities.

Kadmiel Van Der Puije (CEO of Fathers Haven Foundation) with the 54 orphans in Fathers Haven, Kenya Branch

The Countess Foundation 

The Countess Foundation supports women through skills development, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and its flagship “1 Million Women, 1 Million Futures” vision, contributing to economic diversification and inclusion.

Evelyn Van Der Puije leading a high-impact Innovation Lab at the Yale Africa Innovation Symposium, guiding participants through structured approaches to scaling social impact and economic systems across Africa. 

Naberm Montessori School 

Naberm Montessori School focuses on leadership-driven education, contributing to long-term human capital development and workforce readiness.

Kadmiel Van Der Puije with Students at Naberm Montessori School. Ada, Ghana

These initiatives reinforce a broader ecosystem where social development and economic growth are integrated, aligning directly with Shurooq’s sustainability priorities and the UAE’s long-term national vision.


Conclusion

Shurooq has demonstrated its ability to design and execute large-scale, sustainable, and culturally grounded development models.

Africa represents a high-growth environment where these capabilities can be extended.

The key requirement is structured access. TVOA provides that access by connecting markets, institutions, and people through an integrated platform.

The alignment between Shurooq and TVOA is operational, immediate, and scalable. It presents a clear pathway for expanding UAE influence while supporting Africa’s growth across investment, tourism, culture, and human capital development.

This is not a conceptual opportunity. It is a partnership ready for execution.

Kadmiel Van Der Puije Receives Misk 20 Under 30 Award from HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Foundation

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