AFRICA TRADE
REPORT 2021
Table of Content Introduction Presentation: Trade and Development in Africa. Welcome and Keynote Speech “How Trade in Africa will Lead to Economic Development” Panel Session 1: Opportunities that the AfCFTA Provides Panel Session 2:Opportunities and implementation in regional economic communities under the AfCFTA Panel Session 3: Highlight African Brands Keynote Speech “Trading with Africa and Diaspora Engagement” Panel Discussion 4: Global Trading Agreements and Opportunities That Africans can Take up Panel Discussion 5: Global Opportunities for African Brands Panel Discussion 6: Trade Development and Gender Vote of Thanks Welcome Conference Speech Day 2 ( Digital Trade ) Keynote Speech: “What Digital Trade Opportunities and Solutions has Covid-19 Expedited and Created for Africa?” Panel Session 7: Making Trade Cheaper, Faster and More Accessible - From Serial to Parallel Panel Session 8: Digital Trade for SMEs: Finding A Seat At The Table Africa Business Challenge – Opportunities in the Agribusiness Sector. Africa Business Challenge - Opportunities in the Healthcare Sector Africa Business Challenge - Opportunities in the Services Sector Conference Closure Speech on Digital Trade in Africa Launch of the Virtual Africa Trade Expo
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AFRICA TRADE CONFERENCE
Introduction
This is the 1st Edition of the “Africa Trade Report” by the Regal Africa Group. The report highlights key outcomes from the Africa Trade Conference that was held on 11th and 12th November 2021. The conference was carried out virtually out of Nairobi, Kenya. The theme this year was “Empowering Africans to participate in Intra Africa Trade and Global Trade post COVID-19”. The aim of the conference is to inspire “Trading for Development”. The ATC conference featured guest speakers from several African countries and the African diaspora and included attendees from Africa and the globe. The conference was structured into several sessions over the two days: ATC Day One Morning Session: Where the discussions set the pace with an insightful introduction and an address from the keynote speaker. ATC Day One Morning Session 2: Where several speakers held panel discussions on the AfCFTA and other Regional Economic Agreements and their significance to trade in Africa. ATC Day One Afternoon Session: Where three separate panels discussed various issues and opportunities in global trade. ATC Day Two Morning Session: Where the keynote speaker from the world economic forum unfolds the impact and opportunities in digital trade and there were two other panels focus on digital trade and their enablers for corporate and SMEs in Africa ATC Day Two Afternoon Session: Where we had the Africa Business challenge that focused on three key sectors in Africa which included the agribusiness, healthcare and services sector. The Africa TradeConference is an annual conference that seeks to play an important role in facilitating dialogue, advancing knowledge and information about wealth creation and trade opportunities in Africa. The ultimate goal is Wealth Creation for all Africans and Africa Economic Development. The conference is brought to the world by Regal Africa, an organization that focuses on assisting our clients to “Create Wealth” through trade and investment. Regal Africa focuses on Transforming Families by enabling them to create generational wealth, Transforming Communities through family businesses and Impacting Nations through participation in international trade.
Conference Main Objective
The African Trade Conference explores the challenges and possibilities of trade in Africa post COVID, while creating a platform for entrepreneurs to showcase their goods and services. The establishment of the AfCFTA sets the continent at a prime position to embrace continental trade. The discussions provided great insight on the existing opportunities and challenges which traders all around the continent can navigate.
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Conference Specific Objectives: To showcase the trade opportunities brought about by the AfCFTA and other regional trade agreements that will increase Intra Africa Trade To create awareness of international trade agreements that create opportunities in global markets To analyse opportunities brought about by digital trade, especially for MSMEs run by women and the youth. To create linkages for African businesses to sell their goods and services
ATC DAY ONE MORNING SESSION Presentation: “Trade and Development in Africa”
Ms. Anne Wambui Gaitha, CEO of the Regal Africa Group International Trade and Investment Expert
The opportunities available in Africa are vast when it comes to investment. The Regal Africa group under the leadership of Ms. Gaitha, acts as one of the able partners that connect Africa and the world. Regal Africa presents the diverse opportunities of goods and services on platforms for trade which are the backbone for development in Africa. Ms. Gaitha demonstrated that their clients were able to use their platforms to showcase their brands so that the world can enjoy these opportunities. The way trade is carried out is changing as Africans are moving from just providing raw materials to building global brands. Brands create the necessary tools to facilitate trading in Africa, which in turn creates wealth, jobs and steers development.This makes Africa the center of the world in the global value chain.
“Africa is open for business.” The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides capacity building for the billions of potential consumers in the world. Ms. Gaitha pointed out that building and owning our infrastructure is key to making trade accessible, faster and affordable for inward trade. Ms. Gaitha emphasized that formal and structured businesses in Africa will then find it easier to access financing, thus making it easier to build capacity and scale up continentally and globally.
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Digital transformation makes businesses penetrate the markets faster through ease of communication and reduced cost of doing business. Digital trade and payments powered by Fintech also ensure trade flow is effortless. Simply put, digital trade facilitation steers job, wealth and development creation.
“Wherever you see a business, poverty is reduced.” At the Regal Africa “Center for International Trade”, we assist business organizations, global agencies and governments to promote international trade through research, learning, seminars and other forms of capacity building. Examples are learning about collaborations with bodies like AGOA and other global trade agreements. We encourage you to watch Ms. Anne Gaitha as she unpacks trade in Africa, and highlights the different ways in which trade is being transformed in the continent. Please scan the QR Code to watch the Video for this session:
”Trade is the only sustainable way to eradicate poverty in AFRICA and transform communities”
#ATC2021 #AfricansTrade #TradingForDevelopment #AFCFTA #GlobalTrade #TradeCreatesWealth #DigitalTrade #AfricanBrands #TradeInAfrica #TradeWithAfrica
AFRICA TRADE CONFERENCE
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Welcome Conference Speech “How Trade in Africa will lead to Economic Development”
Hon. David Osiany Chief Administrative Secretary (Deputy Minister) Ministry of Industrialization, Trade & Enterprise Development-Kenya
African Trade Conference unites Africa and the world to exploit the trade opportunities available in Kenya. Hon Osiany began by explaining what The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is. He described it as an initiative to boost Intra Africa Trade in goods, services, competition, policy, investments and intellectual property. Hon Osiany shared Kenya’s commitment to the continental trade by explaining how they have deposited their instruments of ratification with the depository chair of the AU in 2018. The country has also begun working on the national AfCFTA implementation strategy. The main aim of the strategy is to make the country sustainable by increasing productivity and improving food security. The scope of the manufacturing sector also needs to be expanded to facilitate trade within the continent.
“Without manufacturing and improving our manufacturing, without integrating these agricultural markets as we say, and improving our productivity, we will be unable to address the chronic food insecurity.” He was keen to explain that the continent finds itself in similar circumstances as is stated in the theme of the conference. The COVID-19 crisis had forced African nations to adopt faster digital transformation in order to maintain relevance in the market. He encouraged all to embrace digital technology as it aims to reduce uncertainties in trade, increase access to financing, expand firm capabilities and provide access to new markets.
“How do we reduce uncertainty so that we get back to our intended course as it was before COVID?”
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He concluded by emphasizing on the need to strengthen African trade through growth of infrastructure to boost inclusivity and transform the continent. Championing the national implementation strategy will help in the inclusion of the SMEs to harvest from the trillion-dollar market that is available in the economic borderless African market. The private sectors across the borders are core to the African trade goals which will encourage our countries to build national relationships t hrough their networks. Hon. Osiany’s address can be found in full on the link below. Watch him as he summarizes the journey ahead by tracking the steps taken so far. Please scan the QR Code to watch the Video for this session:
Panel Session 1: Opportunities that the AfCFTA Provides Moderator: Yavi Madurai, Executive Director-Pan African Women’s Business Association (PABWA)” Panelists: Ms. Laura Naliaka, Trade Policy Fellow-African Trade Policy Centre, United Nations, Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Louis Yaw Afful, Executive Director- AfCFTA Policy Network. Sand Mba-Kalu, Executive Director-Africa International Trade & Commerce Research (AITCR)
Laura Naliaka
Louis Yaw Afful
Sand K Mba
Yavi Madurai
Panel Discussion:
The first panel in the Trade in Africa session focused on the opportunities in the AfCFTA. Sand Mba stated that the AfCFTA is an elaborate change platform for the continent. The numbers say that intercontinental trade is lowest in Africa, hence the lowest integration as compared to other continents such as Europe or Asia. Information is the biggest barrier which AfCFTA seeks to address.
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“As a researcher, I have asked people what is your challenge trading with Africa? And people say it is information as a metric. We don’t know where to get this information.” Sand Mba-Kalu The conditions of trade can be improved through ecommerce from 16% to a level as high as possible. African nations vary in preparation because of lack of information on continental opportunities. The action plan or boosting Africa initiative requires several pillars including trade facilitation and infrastructure. Louis championed for higher productive capacity which would increase investment in our continent. He also quoted private sector partnership as mentioned by Hon. Osiany.
Effects of the Pandemic on the AfCFTA One of the biggest challenges identified was the lack of commitment by governments as they do not prioritize trade. Many countries have not ratified the AfCFTA agreement and the pandemic lowered revenue, thus restructuring priorities further. The pandemic also limited movement which prevented access and slowed down the opening of the AfCFTA. The fragile economies in the continent were broken and rebuilding is slowly taking place. The informal economy or small businesses that are undocumented will have free access through AfCFTA. A continental framework will make processes faster and save costs. Free movement of business persons through a continental passport will boost trade without complexities. Some nations are reluctant because they feel like they will lose their advantages without acknowledging the bigger picture and future benefits. Mechanisms are also in place to mitigate against revenue loss.
“There is also much that can be gained from revenue and VAT, considering that we will now be moving into manufacturing and not just export of raw materials.” Laura Naliaka Exporting under the AfCFTA has already begun, and the liberalization will increase conditions of trade and make it possible to incorporate sourcing and production within the continent. Issues such as standardized quality standards will also be addressed.
The role of partners: Stakeholders need to be involved in the creation of a practical guide on trade benefits. This will be a key asset to guide professional bodies and all partners to understand the benefits. Processes of importing and exporting can also be documented to inform the masses on the practical aspects of operations. The media should also offer information to the masses to educate grassroots communities on their roles and responsibilities. Encouraging innovation and boosting patenting, copyright and marketing intelligence are some of the benefits of the groups that can be adopted across the board. African nations also need to be realistic and patient.
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“We shouldn't put burden on the AfCFTA because it is still young.”Louis Yaw Afful The panelists concluded that policy is good but it must be backed by action and access by all Africans. Key recommendations were as follows. Industrialization needs to be encouraged and facilitated to harness the availability of raw materials. Opportunity access to women and the green economy will also create more jobs and increase capacity for all. Businesses can then look for national and continental partnerships that will create collaborations to boost the continent. Collaboration can start with basic things like studying in African countries, and communicating via digital platforms and ecommerce platforms across the continent. Digital currencies, collective research and unifying certifications will also boost the trade and ease of doing business. Africans are ready for industrialization and a revised way of doing business. Africans want a continent where no one is left behind. Africans want industrialization and better things without poverty and the ability to define their lives with inclusivity and collective prosperity. You can hear it straight from the panelists on this link.
The goal of the AfCFTA was to establish a single market for goods and services across Africa in the 55 countries, are you taking advantage of this opportunity?
#ATC2021 #AfricansTrade #TradingForDevelopment #AFCFTA #GlobalTrade
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Panel Session 2: Opportunities and implementation in regional economic communities under the AfCFTA Moderator: Yavi Madurai, Executive Director-Pan African Women’s Business Association (PABWA)” Panelists: H.E.(Dr) Moktar Ghambou, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco in Kenya, Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco. Juliet Archibong, Chief Executive Officer- Adiaha Trading Ltd John Bosco Kalisa, Executive Director /CEO-EABC Mbini Kutta, Managing Director-Kutta Consulting
H.E. (Dr) Mokhtar Ghambou
Yavi Madurai
Mbini Kutta
John Bosco Kalisa
Juliet Archibong
Panel Discussion:
Yavi Madurai the moderator began the discussion by pointing out the different levels of preparation within different borders. Dr Ghambou applauded the AfCFTA for its efforts to support trade, and he compared their efforts to the work done by diplomats. Countries such as Morocco have taken up the initiative. Political will was said to be a key factor supporting the initiative. Individual countries have already taken moves to establish ties in trade. An example is Morocco’s major investment in West Africa. The ports contribute to the trade and growth of the infrastructure, while providing a semblance of equity in growth for participating countries. Strong registration is needed to protect investors and traders. Borders can then be transformed into economic hubs.
“Our benchmarking all the time has been between South and North. But this is the time to really shift and have an intra African benchmarking,” H.E.(Dr) Moktar Ghambou
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Mbini pointed out that implementation was the most difficult part of enforcing the AfCFTA because the different African countries are accustomed to their ways of doing business. However, the bigger African body was advised to borrow a leaf from the teething problems that the East African Community was able to overcome. These challenges include adjusting and simplifying the documentation to enable easier implementation.
“The African Regional Economic Communities (RECs) have a lot of experience to bring in this accommodation for each other so that we can be able to trade. ” Mbini Kutta John Bosco Kalisa who leads the East Africa Business Council was encouraged by the strides made by the EAC as well, and he urged the African Union and the AfCFTA secretariat to learn from the East African region and adopt similar dialogue. The open communication prospects would be key to faster implementation because the political will and private partnership is already present.
“The private sector here (East Africa), from micro, small and medium is very dynamic, vibrant, flexible and ready to trade.” John Bosco Kalisa Other challenges include customs in each individual country. Revenue generation is more prioritized over facilitating trade in most African countries.Juliet noted that implementation of trade exports is low across the globe and it is not translating to the grassroots.
“Implementation is not there. Maybe there is but it is not translating to the average person. it is at a certain level but it does not get down here. The money does not get to the average person .” Juliet Archibong The panelists all agreed that: The key to the success of the AfCFTA is implementation. The AfCFTA needs to address brain drain so that these brains can help the continent grow. Amplifying and simplifying the trade agreement will make it very practical to players of all scale Creating an enabling environment for access to information and opportunities. Strengthen the regional value chain to reduce internal competition and increase external odds. Rolling out ecommerce will reap the benefits of EAC and AfCFTA Accept that this is a process and not an event For more of this and its relation to the dream by Kwame Nkrumah watch the link below
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Panel Session 3: Trade in Africa, Highlight African Brands Moderator:Juliet Archibong, Chief Executive Officer-Adiaha Trading Ltd Panelists: Deolaa Paul-Inyang, Founder Abela Centre for Olfactory Art -Scents of Africa Maureen Obaweya,Creative Director-Morin.O Leather Works Ruth Apostolov. Founder & CEO- She Power- Menstrual cup Devaksha Maharaj, Founder & CEO-Ikigai Engineering.
Juliet Archibong
Panel Discussion:
Deola Paul-Inyang
Maureen Obaweya
Devaksha Maharaj
The panelists shared a similar agenda in telling their story and describing their brands. Deolaa passionately described her desire for Africa to deliberately tell her own story. The Abela brand was keen to take that message to the world through excellence in their products and through establishment of an education centre to impart skills to other perfumers. The Abela brand also brings together perfumers who thrive collectively and individually through Africa’s olfactory art space. Abela Centre for Olfactory Arts Africa hosts a gallery, studio, academy and olfaction library among other functions. Africans may shy away from doing business because of the challenges and bottlenecks that are experienced.
“As an African brand, we are intentional about our focusing attention on trading the Abela brand in Africa in spite of the enormous bottlenecks we have experienced. Come what may, we move, but only if we move together.” Deolaa Paul-Inyang The panelists were therefore keen to emphasize that each African brand must have deep roots in order to withstand the challenges and move forward. Maureen’s leather brand was proud of their responsible sourcing of raw materials. The brand plans to remain relevant through authenticity and uniqueness. Maureen also emphasized on the role of excellence in advancing and positioning a brand in Africa and internationally.
“We paid attention to quality. We paid attention to unique craftsmanship. We paid attention to having a product that will sit on global platforms.” Maureen Obaweya The challenges the brands experienced continue changing constantly, so the growth process is a journey and not a destination.
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Ruth shared her journey of accreditation and certification. Part of this was ensuring that product testing had been done exhaustively. Her brand is in line with the sustainability dream that seeks to restore dignity to women at a fair price. Talks of partnerships and collaborations across the various countries were promoted . ShePower is her brand that has made great strides in only three months. The product offers feminine hygiene solutions at a fraction of the cost, and by using sustainable materials for the continent. This is the first licensed and tested medical grade menstrual cup. The brand is also offering a solution to those with limited financial flexibility. It offers solutions for ten years.
“We are here to solve a problem that is as natural as breathing.” Ruth Apostolov. Diversity was one of the foundations of a successful business. An example of such a brand was Ikigai’s engineering which works in education, alternative or renewable energy, training, youth and women empowerment and electrical engineering. Her company adds value and changes lives in the engineering industry. It works with digital platforms to provide several solutions in education and capacity building despite the pandemic.
“We recently introduced coding and robotics which goes up to 14 years old.” Devaksha Maharaj. Lessons learnt from the three brands include growing within one’s niche and expanding the scope of the industry by doing things differentl. You can hear it straight from the panelists on this link.
AFTERNOON SESSION Keynote Speech: “Trading with Africa and Diaspora Engagement” Rachel Mwakazi Skjaerpe, Projects Director ManGo Development
Rachel Mwakazi Skjaerpe Projects Director ManGo Development Speaker (Norway, Kenya)
Rachel began by explaining her history in the diaspora in Germany, then Norway and back to Kenya. The Kenyan Diaspora is estimated to be between 3-4 million. The money remitted to the continent is for social welfare like food and education. However, the bigger portion should be going to investment
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for the better future of the family. Once it circulates in the economy, generational wealth will be created.Rachel emphasized that enabling the families to take up trade will make that goal achievable. Trade in Africa is possible when loopholes are identified. Rachel identified operational loopholes such as those in grassroots and rural communities that are affected by financial illiteracy and inability to access credit.
“How about if we are able to bring them to a place where they can be more financially literate and also where they can have the much needed micro loans that they need to start using money correctly.” . Rachel Mwakazi Skjaerpe The scale doesn’t matter as trade has to be carried out despite the magnitude. She suggested the creation of a Diaspora SACCO that will give the grassroots support and financing to enable trade. Those who have been outside the country will be able to identify the opportunities with an outsider’s eye. Her observation was that growth of infrastructure and communication has made Kenya conducive for business when compared to other African countries. Empowering families through social entrepreneurship makes families grow and flourish even when they are being integrated into the income generation bracket. Her recommendation was that remittances should be viewed as a developmental tool.
“Are diaspora remittances a sleeping pill or a development catalyst? The way we take it, is the way it will be.”.Rachel Mwakazi Skjaerpe Reviewing what is already there will be a good way to structure the diaspora agenda into action. Most implementation is not done although the framework is already done. The political bureaucracy and bottle necks slow down SMEs, as formal systems also scare small traders because of compliance and taxation. Thus, they cannot create a credit line because they do not bank and they cannot access credit to grow themselves or expand their income base. Some people have never had a job or been in business. Others do subsistence businesses but they do not think this is a marketable skill that can be formalized into a business. The women spend most of their lives unaware of the opportunities they can embrace. The people must be exposed to their opportunities through education in their native languages and at a level they can understand. It is easier to connect with the entrepreneurs of the larger businesses but the smaller traders are unable to access skill transfer and knowledge transfer. Brian train is the solution to deal with the frequent brain drain. Abstract ideas make it difficult to bring people back to reality until you can relate the grassroots to the actual business plan. An example is value addition by making baobab powder out of Baobab plant that was previously considered monkey food. Diaspora initiatives can help to connect traders on the ground with foreign partners. Community initiatives will be trusted to those who are able to show their multiplication effect from the remittances. Rachel concluded by stating that the key is to be practical and realistic. Please scan the QR Code to watch the Video for this session:
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Panel Discussion 4: Global Trading Agreements and Opportunities That Africans can Take up Moderator: Wangeci Gitata-Kiriga, Founder - Kijani Group” Panelists: Sara Ashour, Trade Policy Analyst-Ministry of Trade and Industry in Egypt Doug Bruhnke, CEO/Founder-Global Chamber Olivier Musafiri, Project Manager Anglophone Africa TFO-Canada.
Wangeci Gitata-Kiriga
Doug Bruhnke
Sara Ashour
Olivier Musafiri
Panel Discussion:
The panelists began by acknowledging that the speed of development in Asia is something that the world and Africa would want to replicate. Trade was identified as the key that creates wealth which funds education and development. Digitization was chosen as a key driver since it has great penetration in the region. It includes basic users with smartphones up to the platforms that powers digital interconnectivity trade. Countries like Egypt have borne fruits by being deliberate on spreading digitalization. Sara pointed out that rules of origin may slow down the operations but negotiations can be learnt from other agreements within the continent. Implementation is still slow in the business community even as rules are being simplified. Guide books are also being used to unwrap cumulation and other notions.
“We try to do handbooks that give examples on how to calculate such values,” Sara Ashour Opportunities include organizations like TFO Canada. They support MSMEs by building capacity and creating awareness. Olivier pointed out that opportunities can be identified by accessing the database that offers such platforms. Markets such as agro food and others will focus on high spot areas that will help the businesses grow. Expansion is on the rise as opportunities are bigger when the free trade area is implemented within Africa. Women make up the bigger part of most populations because the environment has now been enabled. Empowering them is part of the success story.
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“Beyond giving them the opportunity to go through different kind of training, we do have MBA studies.” Olivier Musafiri, Tapping into digital literacy will help businesses grow, while also creating business formalization. Selection of SMEs is done by the partners who build a partnership that will last beyond the Canadian partnership. The institution will then take on the capacity building and increase sustainability that will affect other SMEs in the region. Other available resources are access to a directory and database. This may seem opaque but warm leads are generated by professionalism and trust. Such values create trust once potential resources are mentioned. Issues that come up along the way may be created by power structures that oppose change. Doug stated that different skills by various countries will strengthen the network once the strength of each is embraced. Transparency in seeing opportunities will lead to visualization of the barriers and chances in other places. Education and training also help to limit the mistrust mindset by setting up value and accountability frameworks. Africa wants to attract the right kind of foreign direct investment because it will grow the economy faster, but local companies should also have advantages that will improve local businesses and put money back into the right pockets.
“It all begins with transparency. What are the opportunities? Second, how do we take advantage of it?”Doug Bruhnke General consensus among the panelists was that working together will make it possible to create strategies to fight unprecedented factors such as pandemics or climate change effects. The impact will be felt in later years although different shocks have slowed down implementation and diverted resources away from the trade agenda. Reviewing agreements is also helpful in creating provisions that revise new terms that are adjusted according to the circumstances. Certifications are being created to define essential groups and create procedures to handle such eventualities and outcomes. Future planning can provide structured implementation steps that can build skills to create regional integration. Member states can become more resilient if they harmonize their systems. Digital accessibility can also showcase opportunities and build capacity which makes it easier for youth and women to have level playing fields with men. Key remarks from the panelists are as follows. Doug thought that the issue of trade and transparency is key to building trust faster Sara explained that innovative interpretation by member states is key to implementation Olivier emphasized that implementation should take place with a gender lens You can hear it straight from the panelists on this link.
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Panel Discussion 5: Global Opportunities for African Brands Moderator: Wangeci Gitata-Kiriga, Founder - Kijani Group” Panelists: Joy Wanjiru M-Zenz, Founder- Africa Women in Trade (AWT) John Karegwa, Chief Executive Officer-Invest in Africa Summit Okisegere Ojepat. CEO-Fresh Produce consortium of Kenya
Wangeci Gitata-Kiriga
John Karegwa
Joy Wanjiru M-Zenz
Okisegere Ojepat
Panel Discussion:
The discussion began with each panelist describing their brand. African Women in Trade is a brand that has created a platform for global and regional trade for African women in business. They grant market access, investment and AfCFTA information, capacity building, grant and investment information and knowledge. The brand seeks to leverage businesses so that they are relevant in the future. E-commerce and digital currencies are a key component of the brand. Inclusion of women and the youth ensures that no one is left behind.
“We know our women are in the macro sectors. We want to help them to bring their business out from the informal to formal.” Joy M-Zenz Invest in Africa Summit connects foreign investors through conferences and benchmarking exercises. The businesses connected may be startups or existing businesses requiring scale ups. Popular industries are technology, agribusiness, real estate, low-cost housing, healthcare, education, mining, and renewable energy.
“Developed economies engage Africa for the purpose of raw material producer and not as a trade or export partner,” John Karegwa
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Ojepat explained that the Fresh Produce Consortium is a trade association helping farmers, consolidators, transporters, growers to enhance their business through best practice and value addition. Logistics are harder within the continent thus a lower number of exports to the continent although the licensing period has been reduced and cartels are limited. Africa is struggling to get on the table to become stakeholders instead of the subject.Africa needs to identify and recognize their identity by talking about ourselves and brand ourselves accordingly.
“The first brand for Africa is Africa herself.”Okisegere Ojepat Businesses in Africa lack access to finance and business opportunities. The identified challenges included the following: •Developed economies are biased against African brands. •Developed economies consider Africa for raw materials and not as a serious trade partner. •Export is harder than import because of licensing, customs and quality control. •Branding Africa needs to go big so that we have something that is identified with each nation. This will create trust in the brands. Imbalances include lease of land to foreigners who farm on our land and export, thus disadvantaging the locals. Even some of the large brands are majorly owned by foreigners. Manufacturing is the key to creating jobs and income as is modeled by the developed economies. Joy Zenz stated that the Diaspora are working to put Africa on the table globally and the Diaspora SACCO is helping people to invest in their countries of origin. Though the African systems had lost credibility, the SACCO will help in developing the continent with accountability. Karegwa then stated that logistics and distribution may be responsible for the lack of brand recognition. Mitigation includes customer care and quality assurance to penetrate the global market. Consistency and unity as Africa, will also open the global trade doors. In conclusion, we must compete as Africa and not against other Africans. We must also brand and patent our goods and services to avoid losing them to foreigners.The first step is to embrace the AfCFTA which provides a market of a potential billion consumers within the continent. You can hear it straight from the panelists on this link.
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Panel Discussion 6: Trade Development and Gender Moderator: Yolanda Mabuto, Founder & CEO-Divaine Growth Solutions. SA. ” Panelists: Yavi Madurai, Executive Director-Pan African Business Women Association (PABWA) Phyllis Mwangi, CEO Edge Consult Ltd-Tandao Commerce Gloria Atuheirwe, Director Gender- Inclusion and Women in Trade Trademark East Africa
Yolanda Mabuto
Phyllis Mwangi
Gloria Atuheirwe
Yavi Madurai
Panel Discussion:
The speakers introduced their businesses ranging from community development, capacity building, financing among others key services for women’s businesses. Yavi explained how women were left behind, despite their access to online resources. Rural women were most affected but the rest had challenges balancing gender roles and careers. The pandemic was an advantage as the women got the best of both worlds via technology, internet and digital fast tracking. Many organizations also began to offer free courses and opportunities which place an individual at the forefront of technological capacity building.
“All of a sudden, the world changed to create inclusivity for women in various ways.” Yavi Madurai Aggregation in business will close the gap between the technical services and delivery of goods and services to the end user. Phyllis believed that this, when combined with sustainability measures, will make gender equity more possible in trade.
“They provide the technical services, and you focus on your product and your pricing and your quality. You also focus on delivering your product to the end customer,” Phyllis Mwangi
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Appreciation for local products within the continent will make the global trade grow. STEAM education is the key to empowering the continent from a basic level so that this becomes a part of a child’s growth process. Their capacity will be built from childhood then later through mentorship and additional training. One of the panelists identified education as one of the largest opportunities in Africa. She suggested an extension of existing business into an educational aspect so that the skill is passed down generationally. The education platforms can expand to content creation which is a great platform for self-education. Gloria Atuheirwe of Trademark East Africa encouraged the continent to understand that gender constraints are at different levels. For example, land, capital, limited or lacking digital access. The processes of business formalization in different sectors are also varied. The gender roles may not need to hinder the operations because of technological support tools. An example is a video call meeting instead of a physical meeting. Simplification of processes by the regional and global leaders have made it easier to operate. The small informal traders do not know that their governments have created opportunities to make it easier to move across the borders. Groups that are formed make it easier to share information and build access to assets such as financing. Yavi supported Gloria’s views by explaining that access to information was a power move as it determined decision making. Incapacitation can be blamed on the government though the female traders should be proactive to the people who should provide capacity. Collective power can change the systems so that they work for women. Phyllis believes that organizations that provide education to women are key missing gaps in the market. Key support organizations can also link potential investors to existing businesses and help the groups to scale up and digitize. Scalability means that your business does not stop when you need to take a break.
“Does your business get pregnant when you are pregnant, and does your business get sick when you are sick? Then it will not be able to grow globally.” Gloria Atuheirwe Capacity building for the woman herself and the trading environment are the overall tools to build sustainability. The AfCFTA makes it easier for women but governments need to be held accountable. Lastly, the panelists were in agreement that women should be connected to the private sector and the global market. You can hear it straight from the panelists on this link.
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Vote of Thanks Diana Gaitha, Creative Director: EliteGlobal Branding.
Diana Gaitha Creative Director EliteGlobal Branding (USA, Kenya)
The day’s sessions were concluded by closing remarks given by Diana Gaitha. She thanked the speakers for their authenticity and contributions. Diana also appreciated the teams and partners that made the conference possible. She pointed out some of the highlights of the day while repeating some profound statements from key speakers. The highlights included: The content of the AfCFTA and where the continent is heading in terms of trade. Hon Osiany’s speech which set the tone and emphasized that trade will unify trade in Africa by building brands Ambassador Ghambou’s challenge for Africans to look beyond the present and push the envelope She also added her voice to support the speakers by explaining how the continent was ready to transform into a trade hub that would fuel development. She also encouraged the attendees to network and attend the virtual trade exhibition platform that was happening concurrently with the Africa Trade Conference. You can hear it straight from the panelists on this link.
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Engaging conversions by private sector, public sector and academia on how trade affects development in Africa
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Welcome Conference Speech. ATC Day Two “ Digital Trade”
Aarti Shah
Digital Trade Kenya
Aarti began by describing technology by using workable examples. Technology comes in through the generation of digital products like safe documents that can be guaranteed just as physical documents. Such systems should be developed across all the stakeholders. The AfCFTA can overcome some of the implementation problems by adopting the use of digital documents. This will be strengthened by ensuring the protection of intellectual property rights,free and secure flow of data, protection of privacy, open government data and other related barriers. The pandemic allowed the acceleration of digital trade. Examples are in linking buyers and sellers through data. Aarti released these nuggets of wisdom. Digital solutions seek to solve continental problems such as post-harvest waste. Healthcare affordability and accessibility is another concern that can be addressed through biotechnology and telehealth solutions. Outsourcing services by capitalizing on the remote working uptake. You can hear it straight from the panelists on this link.
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AFTERNOON SESSION Keynote Speech: “Digital trade” Ziyang Fan, Head of Digital Trade at the World Economic Forum
Ziyang Fan
Head of Digital Trade at the World Economic Forum
The digital economy or trade blends physical services with the e-commerce aspect. TradeTech allows trading to be initiated and tracked online. Digital trade received a boost during COVID as it allowed many people to adopt digital payments and teleconferencing as a means of communication. The entire globe experienced a culture shift and greater opportunities were brought to light. TradeTech is a set of technologies that optimize digitized trade. It starts with a paperless system that stores all data electronically. Data is first collected and then technology is applied to it. The most transformative TradeTech is the IoT in supply chains. E-commerce, call computing, digital payments and manufacturing are key to those impacted in the digital market. The benefits included higher trade speeds and lower cost and creation of new products and services. Challenges include the cost of transition which is prohibitive. The human capital also suffers from skill deficits and change may be resisted.
“You may have the best technology, but can your line worker use it?” Despite the challenges, digital payments have increased as many services move to the digital platforms. They include digital lending and access to services such as insurance. Regulation is still ongoing across the board although government interventions such as access to credit data were still being considered.
“Every aspect of trade has a digital component.” Digital trade agreements have prioritized discussions on digital trade within bodies like AfCFTA with specific action being detailed in tailor made agreements like DEPA. Africa should adopt similar moves. Ziyang concluded by stating that digital trade has transformed the future and purpose of trade.
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Please scan the QR Code to watch the Video for this session:
Panel Session 7: Making Trade Cheaper, Faster and More Accessible from Serial to Parallel Moderator: Aarti Shah Panelists: Carl Wegner, CEO-Contour. Daniel Wilson, Head of Strategy and Operations-TradeLens GTD Solution Inc. Samuel Mathew, Managing Director- Standard Chartered. David Hasanat, CEO- Theoletica group
Aarti Shah
Carl Wagner
Daniel Wilson
Samuel Mathew
David Hasanat
Panel Discussion
One of the ways that trade is made faster is through digital wallets for payment. The pandemic was not a tool of destruction for everyone. Some companies had made digital adjustments that saw them thrive amongst the chaos. An example is David’s company which was able to adjust to the pandemic earlier because of the adoption of digital tools. Accountability and record keeping become more effective as well.
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“When the payment is on a digital platform, then you can get the data,” David Hasanat One of the tools that made trade faster and easier was through contactless digital wallets for payment. Carl Wegner was keen on the adoption of digital finance as a financial tool. He believes that it increases the penetration of goods all through the supply chain. Digitization also helps communication to be more seamless. Creating awareness about this was key to uptake.
“Goods are moving faster than information.”Carl Wegner. Digital data helps financial institutions to improve the decision-making process. It makes it easy to customize a customer’s financial history which improves lending decisions and banking solutions. The bank often acts as the trust or custodial role between a buyer or a seller. The risk intermediary role of the bank ensures that the transactions are carried out fast and safely. Such functions can be digitized to ease operations if the correct data is available. Open account supply chain finance will digitize faster and the data will validate the transactions without a long stack of certifications. Examples are the finance button that facilitates the other services. Complete digitalization will be challenging because the systems are not standardized across the board.
“Paper will be here for a while…looking for systems to extract the data from the paper.” Samuel Matthew Blending the physical and digital is challenging because it involves many people and companies. Daniel explained that platforms like TradeLens bring all the parties on board in one place so that they can share information collectively. For example, during shipping, the documents can be verified and corrected on these platforms so that the clearance processes start earlier and finish faster.
“That document path that today had been physical can be digitized, because the documents were already digitized. Documents are a construct. Really what it is is information.” Daniel Wilson The ecosystem is simplified by faster access to each other. Digitalization is a journey that will start with one solution and then it will get better. Sam and Aarti agree that technology often starts a product or service, and then the law follows. The ecosystems solve similar problems often and this creates more possibilities for developers who need to blend these technologies to bring a higher number of users onboard. Digitization can start at a low level like statements in banks, mobile banking among others.The partners need to drive the direction of the growth and make it possible to advocate for change within the various industries and networks. Digitalization is a journey that will need to be undertaken slowly. The processes will go faster once the government fast tracks the legal requirements. The individuals will also need to be made aware of the potential benefits that digitalization will bring so that uptake is encouraged. You can hear it straight from the panelists on this link.
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Panel Session 8: Digital Trade for SMEs; Finding a seat at the table Moderator: Anne Gaitha, Regal Africa. Panelists: Dayvee Ngugi, CEO-Anzili, Paytree Group. Sachin Kamath, Cofounder and CEO-Gapstack. Akos Acheaw, Founder-AfriBeauty Collective. Nigeria Leonard Ugbajah, Executive director-Centre for trade and business Environment Advocacy ltd. Jason Blackman. DHL, EXP
Anne Gaitha
Dayvee Ngugi
Sachin kamath
Jason Blackman
Akos Acheaw
Leonard Ugbajah
Panel Discussion:
The panelists first described what they do. Anzili deals with e-commerce solutions for business owners. They provide a platform for businesses and manage it going forward. Gapstack helps traders access digital financing and make transactions within the supply chain easier. It works like a social network of business. The platform accelerates financial services by allowing access to finance virtually. Afri Beauty Collective consolidates different specialist products across the continent. The platform gives the products access to other markets and provides platforms that will make it easier for both buyer and seller. Hybrid solutions make it possible for sellers like Anzili to support logistics on the digital platforms. Leonard’s center of advocacy addresses the business environment. He explains that legislation is often a barrier in the implementation of digital payments and other digital services that simplify business operations.
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“The regulators are usually slow to catch up with the innovation. So between those who develop, those who utilize from the direct producers, those who make the policies, need to make reforms.” Leonard Ugbajah Intra trade is further complicated by foreign exchange control and the complications that this brings when such trade is carried out digitally. Leonard encouraged the AfCFTA to engage governments so as to encourage the uptake of digital solutions. Leonard also pointed out that knowledge of the available opportunities is lacking among traders. Sachin explains that the solutions to financing the SMEs in different regions come from the understanding that the solutions will not necessarily wait for the regulations.
“No matter how far technology grows, it will always be a step ahead of regulation.” Sachin Kamath New technology in Africa has to be done with the support of the other systems. Trade will be facilitated when the stakeholders are brought to the table and made part of the process. The digital aspiration should be to make new systems like creating data points from digital payments and using these to create a credit score. Funding can then be offered despite the lack of collateral from women and youth. Akos advised small traders to structure their businesses so that the business could have a clear timeline that financiers can track. The supply chain also gives financiers a picture of the vibrancy experienced by the business. An integrated excel solution such as the one used by AfriBeauty shows the rationale used to make such financing decisions. Akos also explained that digital solutions are not used in isolation.
“You have social media, you have whatsapp, some people call in. You have to manually integrate all of that to ensure that the consumer gets what they need.” Akos Acheaw Dayvee explained that companies like Anzili engage in and facilitate digital trade by bringing together social platforms, logistics partners and digital payments. When data is collected from all these sources, it can be consumed to make decisions that benefit the company.
“Data is the fuel of growth for an SME. Some of this data will be the data that will inform their growth , to make decisions, and it will also be the data used to get finance.” Dayvee Ngugi Each process is tracked and the customer and the business owner can see the stage at which each process is at. Similar systems can be adopted by organizations under the AfCFTA. Jackson Blackman who leads DHL Express in Sub Saharan Africa stated that DHL equips many SMEs to trade across borders through initiatives that offer training and upscaling. GoTrade helps in creating product awareness and business. Jason suggested that traders in Africa need to manage the risk by embracing digital platforms that lower costs of operation. You can hear it straight from the panelists on this link.
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“How do we simplify the trade environment for SMEs?” Jackson Blackman Blackman answers this question by explaining how DHL adopts technology to increase flexibility through online payments and tracking. Implementation is slow because of slow mindset changes processes though some steps are already in place. An example is the generation of a digital certificate of origin.
Presentation: Oswald Kuyler, Managing Director-International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) ”
Oswald Kuyler,
Managing Director-International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) South Africa
Oswald from the International Chamber of Commerce began by mentioning that the digital input of the large logistic companies was low. Businesses seek digital processes to increase the effectiveness, resilience and effectiveness internally and externally. The use of different platforms makes integration difficult. The ICC encourages business to seek unification of standards within organizations in regions. Legislative reforms must also be done so that governments can allow electronic documents to be as valid as physical documents. The ICC also recommended interoperable rulebooks to encourage merging of diverse systems. Standards harmonization is vital in digital trade as well. Oswald recommended uptake of tech through utilization of ecommerce platforms. The process is set to begin when people come together and share their ideas on the new paradigm of challenge solving. The ideas will be propelled faster if environmentalists are convinced that sustainability will be boosted by the exclusion of paper in the system. Change will also be implemented by closing the trade and VAT gap. Education and teaching global and digital transformation will help the stakeholders to push the processes from a place of understanding.
“We should not let physical location hold back talent.” Oswald Kuyler. A legal reform board will bring digital changes from the same starting board with a sense of urgency. Leveraging our multilateral banks will also make digitization faster once they bring the private sector on board. You can hear it straight from Oswald Kuyler on this link.
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OUR FOCUS IS PROMOTING TRADE AND INVESTMENTS IN AFRICA
Regal Africa Business Institute (RABI) is an institution based in Nairobi, Kenya with a focus on development through trade and investments by promoting business excellence on the Africa continent, with the understanding that business is the only sustainable way to eradicate poverty on the continent. RABI is an institution that offers research , training, business education and consulting services to Businesses , Institutions and Goverments with a focus on the African Continent.
Regal Africa Group 4th Floor Top Plaza, Kindaruma Rd, Nairobi, Kenya P.O. Box 40187, Nairobi 00100 Tel: +254 0714 009 065 www.regalafrica.co.ke info@regalafrica.co.ke
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Africa Business Challenge -Breakout Session-Agribusiness Sector Moderator:Robert Skidmore, Chief of sector and enterprise; competitiveness section-International Trade Centre (ITC) Panelists: Madhu Srinivasan. Cofounder Vlinder. India. Ritesh Doshi. CEO. Spring Valley Coffee. Kenneth Obiajulu. CEO. Agricorp Post harvest losses
Robert Skidmore
Madhu Srivisan
Ritesh Doshi
Kenneth Obiajulu
Panel Discussion:
The discussion began with panelists who observed that the pandemic accelerated the digital field forward. It also transformed many companies and SMEs into using digital communication. The AfCFTA may create trade liberalization and facilitation. Robert highlighted the importance of connecting the businesses excluded from digital access. Digital platforms have enabled traceability of the coffee product throughout the entire value chain. Spring Valley Coffee has introduced basic smartphones powered by a technology partner that ensures the standards are recorded. Records were then made digital and they replaced physical forms. Resistance comes in as people do not trust the holder and user of data. Other hindrances are infrastructure, for example lack of electricity, bureaucracy and cost of shipping. Kenneth uses a call center that supports ginger farmers. They are able to get support by partnering with partners like tractor owners and buyers. The company intends to digitize their operations by moving their international trade systems online. They intend to go into more value addition by going into pharmaceutical and other health ginger-based products for the company.
“For pharmaceutical based applications, there are also cases around traceability. We would want to open that experience from the coffee growers and the cocoa growers. How can we bring that to the table? I mean who are you buying these products from? Who is growing this commodity?”Kenneth Obiajulu
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Madhu of Vlinder helped the audience understand that digitalization will help the brands to maintain their authenticity and avoid counterfeited goods. Digitalization helps brands to connect directly with customers and enhance customer experience. The customers also consequently help the digital experience to scale up because of the commitment the customer gets from the brand. Consortiums help to bring the problems on the same page so that they are solved together.
“We should leverage technology to sort of have each physical product using digital trade. and as long as we do this in a seamless and cost effective way, your product will speak for itself.” Madhu Srinivasan Madhu described a similar initiative in India that the government coordinates through Farm to Fork. The direct contact cuts out the middle men that often lead to waste. Millennials then value the engagement to build trust because they see the value addition. Barbara explained how WFP has to use digital infrastructure to communicate and decentralize the distribution.
We are using digital infrastructure to reach people, for example in Somalia, when COVID hit, we really had to change the way we work as well...We had to decentralise our distribution.”Barbara Vanlogchem The applications used by the WFP and its partners could have commercial benefits when the implementation problems are resolved. Infrastructure like electricity across the agricultural value chain is difficult because the system is difficult to digitalize. Madhu concluded by advising governments to adopt insurance for their farmers to cushion against problems like drought and storms. Doshi concluded that intra Africa trade is more difficult than global trade and almost absurd. Most governments are more of barriers than facilitators of trade.
“To get someone from the local government to come in and actually do the certifications without being corrupt, without asking for something is hard. Again those bodies like Kenya Bureau of Standards or Uganda Bureau of standards, if we could get these transferable across the continent then that would be great,” Ritesh Doshi Barbara focuses on an end-to-end trade with transparency and less bureaucracy. Her advice was that solutions can come from more predictability and visible rules. You can hear it straight from the panelists on this link.
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Africa Business Challenge - Breakout Session - Healthcare Sector Moderator: Azuka Okeke, CEO-African Resource Center for Excellence in Supply Chain Management Nigeria Panelists: Dr. Amit Thakker, Chairman-Africa Health Business Babusi Nyoni, CEO-Sila Health Deji Ogunye, CEO-mPharma Yusuf Bilesanmi, Founder and CEO-Shifa Technologies
Azuka Okeke
Dr. Amit Thakker
Babusi Nyoni
Deji Agunye
Yusuf Bilesanmi
Panel Discussion:
The panelists began by highlighting key issues in healthcare. They narrowed the discussion down to biotech, availability and affordability of genuine pharmaceuticals, services, vaccines and effects and lessons from COVID. The discussion began with Mr. Ogunye speaking about leveraging the open trade agreement to predict how the healthcare industry has redirected its focus over the COVID pandemic. ICT has been adopted in data collection, making statistics from sales operation to data collection. Data such as disease prevalence and patient data help structure the research and focus for the next five years. Data focuses the solutions in Nigeria and Ghana.
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“We need data to be able to determine what the disease outcomes are, what disease prevalence, patient behaviour. This would help guide procurement,” Deji Ogunye Dr. Amit believes that a system is in the foundational stages of building Inter Africa trade by developing a standard body to govern member states. Cost of supply will reduce and availability will increase. Climate change can be reversed by applying tools that provide electricity and oxygen supply. The ability to produce these things locally will reduce cost and increase efficiency. Yusuf was focused on sustainable growth for the continent to provide its own products and raw material by increasing their manufacturing capacity.
“Ability to build and supply and produce things locally is where we need to be.” Yusuf Bilesanmi Sila health CEO Babusi suggested that the high cost of the internet prohibits some products. So low-cost bandwidth is a consideration for product type. The machine learning model encouraged low doctor patient interaction. Risk factors, age and gender are all considered. Localization of the solution was done. Digital tools for accountability and higher outcomes, improved quality of care and adherence to practices like drug adherence outside physical care and self-regulation. Future should include region wide regulation and data privacy policies. Challenges include red tape across countries and how governments respond to ECOWAS. Blending sovereign state vs balance to 55 countries is key so that partners must advocate for their collective good. Dr. Amit was also passionate about creating Africa’s own agenda.
“We in Africa must design our own plants. Who set those targets for us? Who decided that this is what we have to achieve?”Dr. Amit Thakker Arising concerns touch on who should have data and how it can be accessed more responsible for the safety of all parties. Babusi thought the patients and their medical service providers should be some of the people with rights. This was a recommendation since data protection laws and data access is not usually available in African countries.
“People who are making decisions at a large scale need access to health data, and also spontaneously, people who are directly responsible for health outcomes on the ground,” Babusi Nyoni. Private public sector partnership is key to progress. For example, pharmaceuticals are more proactive on counterfeit information than the government because the government does not have access to the privately generated information.Procedures and documentation are in place but implementation and execution are lax to make partnerships work. The decision makers need access to the data and follow up via messaging apps and other platforms that share information virtually thus saving time. Calls and conversations are recorded instead of physical files which also increases access and reduces time of service delivery. Private sector is the
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driving force to government uptake of technology. The panelists collectively complained of brain drain in Africa as we struggle to retain talent. Covid made us wake up and think of making our own equipment and technology. Unfortunately, the government procures instead of encouraging manufacturing because of no enabling environment. Funding by African Development Bank is not supportive when it comes to easier manufacturing processes or leveraging AMA. You can hear it straight from the panelists on this link.
Africa Business Challenge - Breakout Session - Service Sector Moderator:Lorraine Kithinji. Human Resources and Project Management Consultant. Panelists: Charity Githinji, Director-Tandaza Africa, Kenya Booking.com. Darren Franks, CEO and Founder-Talent in the Cloud. International SA. Anne Gaitha, Founder and CEO-Regal Africa Group.
Lorraine Kithinji
Charity Githinji
Darren Frank
Anne Gaitha
Panel Discussion :
The introduction session revealed that Talent in the Cloud supports companies embracing fintech and the majority of the operations in 31 countries takes place remotely.Darren revealed that artificial intelligence was not yet fully operational in remote hiring because it created several biases that were unreasonable.
“There is a very fine balance between human and machine, and that is what we strive to achieve,” Darren Franks
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Anne explained the purpose of Regal Africa to use technology to engage with clients and other businesses. Her company runs effectively remotely by offering services and keeping a lean team, and leveraging services around the world. Tandaza had similar working practices with lean staff and digital marketing and communication. Charity also emphasized that branding and building a network help a business establish a presence in the industry. Darren pointed out the different licensing and pricing requirements in different countries as an issue that would affect business, if it was not researched. It affects pricing of goods and services. The best option is to partner with businesses in the countries so as to simplify services. Anne suggested that creating an IFC in Nairobi would need to have a unique proposition so that it can benefit the whole continent.
“Mauritius has its proposition, Kenya has to come up with theirs, and Rwanda has to come up with theirs and make it slightly different so that we all win,” Anne Gaitha. Charity pointed out that the digital space has to be used in branding because fields such as tourism need a tool to bridge the divide. The use of apps and such tools help people experience places virtually and increase the visibility of the said places.
“And then again, what is everyone pushing for? Intra African trade, Intra African tourism. How do you reach those markets? Through the digital space.” Charity Githinji Darren encouraged the acquisition of digital skills so as to open up one’s opportunities to other regions. Digital skills can allow you to use your talent on a global scale without having the current brain drain that Africa is currently experiencing. Despite this, Darren was keen to note that digital platforms make competition stiffer. Hybrid systems of remote work with occasional physical presence seem to be the more sustainable solution. Many companies have experienced a shift with an upward curve of employment growing due to an increase in productivity. The digital platforms have created a greater demand for flexibility and better working conditions. Anne agreed that the AfCFTA is a key tool to help many businesses to formalize their businesses. The businesses could improve their odds if they were able to use financial services available digitally. They include online and outsourced accounting services and bookkeeping services that would help the business formalize. The educated populous in the continent make it possible to build a hub from their skill set. Digital platforms allow all these to operate virtually. Charity supported this by saying that service industries like tourism have great opportunities as well. Darren concluded by saying that the AfCFTA would provide better structures to fuel uptake of opportunities. The session ended with recommendations for service industries to take up digital marketing, build networks and referrals, create elaborate branding and provide service delivery as promised or more. You can hear it straight from the panelists on this link.
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”TRADE not AID is the answer for Africa’s prosperity”
#ATC2021 #AfricansTrade #TradingForDevelopment #AFCFTA #GlobalTrade
AFRICA TRADE CONFERENCE
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#TradeCreatesWealth #DigitalTrade #AfricanBrands #TradeInAfrica #TradeWithAfrica
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Conference Closure Speaker on Digital Trade in Africa Prof Bitange Ndemo, Professor of Entrepreneurship UON Business school
Prof. Bitange Ndemo
Professor of enterpreneurship . University of Nairobi Business School Kenya
Prof Bitange Ndemo stated that COVID has changed everything for everybody. For example, grassroots traders had to learn to use smartphones to sell online through the digital platforms, in conjunction with motorbike delivery men. New revenue and business models were developed and the rules of success changed. Machine learning is key, especially in multilingual Africa and will add value to the trade industry. Solutions are specific all the way down to agriculture, for example, big data helps predict rainfall and harvest thus attracting young farmers. Platforms like Mpower and Kandana provide financing for low-cost housing solutions. This is a disruptive technology that makes mobile platforms and cryptocurrency take a new direction. Digital connectivity is still low at 40% although urbanization is at 45%. Infrastructure is one of the drivers of growth as well as the adoption of talent in e-commerce and fintech. AfCFTA can duplicate the trends in China by creating an enabling environment. Jobs will be created and productivity will be increased, as the dynamics of trade change. Trust can be created by paying farmers for factors such as tracking food at a fee and cutting out middlemen. This lowers food costs and generally increases the value to the end user and the trader. Prof. Bitange agrees with many speakers who advised developers to progress while still speaking to the regulator.
“We need to create a sandbox to work together.” Prof. Bitange Ndemo He was emphasizing the need to start with whoever is willing and available, and then let the rest come onboard when they are ready. Please scan the QR Code to watch the Video for this session:
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Launch of Virtual Trade Expo
AFRICA TRADE CONFERENCE 2021 AFRICA TRADE CONFERENCE
“Empowering African’s to participate in Intra Africa Trade and Global Trade post COVID-19”
VIRTUAL TRADE
EXPO
11-12th NOV 2021 AFRICA TRADE CONFERENCE
Africa Trade Conference www.africatradeconference.com
Anne Gaitha, The convener of the “Africa Trade Conference” officially launched the virtual “Africa Trade Expo” which showcases various African brands, and stated that the conference attendees could access the virtual exhibition area so as to learn more about the African businesses and the products and services they provided. She stated that the new normal means that we do business differently and that we should all take advantage of online platforms that can help showcase African brands to the world. Anne gave the vote of thanks and encouraged everyone to access the virtual trade expo.
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VIRTUAL TRADE EXPO EXHIBITORS regal africa C E N T E R F O R I N T E R N AT I O N A L T R A D E
ELITEGLOBAL BRANDING
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Company: Regal Africa Group Contact:Anne Gaitha Email: info@regalafrica.co.ke Tel: +254714009065 www.regalafrica.co.ke Company: EliteGlobal Branding Contact:Diana Gaitha Email: info@eliteglobal-branding.com Tel: +18445294517 www.eliteglobal-branding.com Company: Evas Events Contact: Eva Gaitha Email: evasevents254@gmail.com Tel: +254722735710 www.evasevents.co.ke Company: Contour Contact: Carl Wegner / Adeline McNary Email: adeline@contour.network www.contour.network Company: MyAfrica Creations Contact: Diana Gaitha Email: info@dgaitha.com Tel: +18445294517 www.myafricacreations.com Company: Ignite Trade Africa Contact: Kezy Mukiri Email: kezy@ignitetradeafrica.com Tel: +254705761111/ 0 www.ignitetradeafrica.com Company: Abela World Contact: Deola Paul Inyang Email: omolara@abelaworld.com Tel: +2348095857777 www.abelaworld.com Company: She Powher Pty Ltd Contact: Ruth Apostolov Email: ruth@shepowher.co.za Tel: +27824631500 www.shepowher.co.za
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CON SU LTIN G
Company: Siliana Consulting LLC Contact: Nyambura Ruhiu-Mboggo Email: nyamburaruhiu@silianaconsulting.com Tel: +14252409742 www.silianaconsultingllc.com Company: Vlinder Contact: Malini Srinivasan Email: malini@vlinder.io Tel: + 17047716811 www.vlinder.io
Africa Trade Conference 2021 “Empowering African’s to participate in Intra Africa Trade and Global Trade post COVID-19”
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Thank You AFRICA TRADE CONFERENCE We appreciate all the sponsors and partners who made the “Africa Trade Conference” 2021 possible and the speakers and moderators who made the conference a success.
#ATC2021 #AfricansTrade #TradingForDevelopment #AfCFTA #GlobalTrade
”Trade is a powerful engine for economic growth - Agenda 2063”
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AFRICA TRADE CONFERENCE
#TradeCreatesWealth #DigitalTrade #AfricanBrands #TradeInAfrica #TradeWithAfrica
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