To start an enterprise in Africa, one has to find a local partner

Today, Africa Forum took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organised in collaboration with the Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The aim of the forum, which took place for the second time, is to share the experience of exporting goods or services to Africa. Entrepreneurs that spoke at the Forum pointed out that it is important to find a local partner to start an enterprise in Africa.

According to Undersecretary for Economic and Development Affairs, Väino Reinart, the economy of Africa grows with its population. “Available workforce creates economic opportunities for Estonian entrepreneurs that have not been used in Africa before. For example, Estonian entrepreneurs can introduce different innovations and e-solutions that have already proved successful at home,” Reinart said. “In addition, we are going to visit Kenya with entrepreneurs in the near future to make contacts and get acquainted with the local economic potential,” Undersecretary added.

“Africa Forum is an excellent opportunity for entrepreneurs to learn from people already active in Africa - listen to their experience, ask questions straight from the source, avoid mistakes and get ready for things unexpected,” Director General of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mait Palts said.

According to Palts, two years after the first Africa Forum, Estonian companies’ export to Africa has grown almost fifty per cent and import almost ten per cent. “We believe that huge part of this has been achieved thanks to our continuous work on introducing a continent and its opportunities that have so far made a large number of entrepreneurs hesitant, and this has given many entrepreneurs an impulse and courage to enter the African business world. Young population, fast-growing middle class, high national ambitions and investments supporting economic development have made the region attractive to many,” Palts said.

Entrepreneurs from Africa and Estonia also had an opportunity to speak.

Africa Forum was organised as part of a development cooperation project. The project was financed from the Foreign Ministry’s development and humanitarian aid fund.

Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHskFWMMPg


Additional information:

Armo Vask
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Communication Department
(+372) 637 7618
(+372) 5666 8581

Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Epp Joala
Communication Manager
[email protected]
(+372) 604 0065
(+372) 5302 0231