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Building capacity to help Africa trade better

COMESA Business Council hosts it’s 1st Regional Consultative and Business Linkages Forum 2017

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COMESA Business Council hosts it’s 1st Regional Consultative and Business Linkages Forum 2017

COMESA Business Council hosts it’s 1st Regional Consultative and Business Linkages Forum 2017
Photo credit: Sebastian Liste | NOOR for FAO

On the 6th and 7th December 2017, various agro-industry players from the two transport corridors (North and North South) will gather in Nairobi, Kenya at the Hilton Hotel.

The essence of the gathering is to validate a study that highlighted how corridors can generate economies of scale in agriculture and other priority sectors by through fostering potential business partnerships that have been identified along the corridors.

The participants have been drawn from large and medium corporates as potential buyers as well as individual’s suppliers and associations for the various commodities ranging from horticulture, dairy, grains and livestock products.

The meeting will be held under the theme “Towards fostering business and trade within the supply chain networks along the Eastern and Southern Africa transport corridors: An Agro-industry corridor project.”

The meeting will be graced by Kenya’s Principle Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives Dr. Kiptoo. During the opening ceremony, the Vice Board Chair and President of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers Mrs. Flora Mutahi as well as a representative from the African Development Bank will also be among the speakers. Various media houses from Kenya have also been invited to cover the event.

Earlier in the year 2017, the COMESA Business Council recruited a consultant to carry out a study focused on highlighting how corridors can generate economies of scale in agriculture and other priority sectors through fostering potential business partnerships. A total number of eight countries participated in the study, these are Zambia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. The study has since been concluded and a number key products, potential buyers and suppliers were identified as well as challenges faced by the small and large corporates.

Through the consultative meeting, a number of issues in the agro-industry sector will be highlighted through the input of various players drawn from the region. The validation meeting will draw up an assessment report and a Business Guide to facilitate sustainable business partnerships between the potential buyers and existing supplier enterprises operating along the targeted corridors.

Agriculture continues to play a vital role in the region as evidenced by its contribution to economic development. Therefore, its importance can not be over emphasized. It is with this background that the validation workshop will come up with meaningful solutions that will contribute to the development of the sector.  

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