Export-oriented entrepreneurs and SMEs can leverage the opportunity in the upcoming World Export Development Forum, which will bring together more than 1,000 business leaders, policymakers and trade development officials with a view to discussing international business competitiveness issues.
The event will take place at the African Union headquarters between 18 and 22 November, 2019.
It is co-hosted by the International Trade Centre and the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Ethiopia.
According to the ITC, the event will happen during Africa Industrialisation Week, with sessions designed to help businesses understand the imminent African Continental Free Trade Agreement. Topics will include investing in value addition, addressing the skills mismatch, and sustainable packaging will be discussed.
The World Export Development Forum is organised annually by the ITC.
“Trade and investment opportunities abound in Africa, from agriculture to technology. Its agricultural market is set to reach $1 trillion by 2030. Already more than half of the world’s mobile money accounts are in the continent,” ITC said in a separate document on its website.
“Africa is also home to the world’s fastest-growing youth population. The recently launched African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opens new opportunities for deeper integration through trade and investment,” it further said.
Topics to be discussed include: Trade and investment in the AfCFTA; women in trade; focus on young entrepreneurs; e-commerce and digital trade, as well as sustainable trade opportunities. Others include: skills development, mentoring, vocational training and business matchmaking, especially in agribusiness.
It will also feature SheTrades Global—an innovative solutions for women’s empowerment through trade. Under this, there will be focus on the African Continental Free Trade Area.
It will likewise feature YES Forum.
“This youth entrepreneurship event explores policies, skills, networks and finance,” ITC said.
“Part of the Global Initiative on Decent Jobs for Youth, it is organised with the International Labour Organisation, the United Nations Capital Development Fund, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation,” it said, adding that agribusiness companies of all sizes from across the globe will focus on fruits, vegetables, meat, cereals, dairy, tea, coffee, spices, agro-processing technologies and packaging solutions.
The ITC says business matchmaking will focus on agricultural products (fruits, vegetables, meat, cereals, dairy, tea, coffee, spices, and others), as well as agriprocessing technologies and packaging solutions.
“You can also join our Meet the Expert ‘speed workshops’, allowing you to learn more about business development, ranging from marketing through social media, advice from agribusiness entrepreneurs and technology solutions.”
ODINAKA ANUDU
