The Business Network brings together numerous stakeholders who jointly promote the international trade and business partnerships between Germany and Africa. The most important partners include the German-African Business Association, the Market Entry Programme, German ReTECH, various export initiatives and Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI).
Meeting of Partners in the Africa Business Network: A Focus on North Africa
The 20th Meeting of Partners in the Africa Business Network took place at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action on 19 March. The network is a Federal Government initiative to support German SMEs that wish to develop and expand their business in Africa. The Partnering in Business with Germany (PG) programme is one of the network partners that promote cooperation between Germany and Africa.
At one table: the multipliers of German foreign trade promotion ©BMWK / Nancy Portius
Networking and exchange for a sustainable Africa Strategy
The regular Meetings of Partners aim at creating networks between the multipliers of Germany’s foreign trade promotion. The partners attended workshops and discussed the role of Morocco as a gateway to both Africa and Europe. The discussion also focussed on the question of how to better integrate the African diaspora in the different business strategies. It is clear that the diaspora not only works as a link between the continents but can also provide considerable impetus for future-oriented economic cooperation.
Special consideration was given to the existing cooperation between German companies and companies in selected African countries. Partnering in Business with Germany currently provides support to companies from Egypt, Tunisia, Ethopia and South Africa that come to Germany with concrete business proposals. This initiative strengthens the relations and provides targeted support for the market entry in Germany and a further expansion of business relations.
©BMWK / Monika Stienecker
To present its projects, Partnering in Business with Germany had its own stand at the Meeting of Partners. Important discussions with representatives of the bilateral chambers of commerce in Egypt and Tunisia took place and new contacts were forged, for example a contact with the business development agency from Schleswig-Holstein, which was interested in how the programme could support SMEs from northern Germany that wish to enter the market. One of the questions was to find out how the bilateral chambers of commerce could be better integrated in the various programme initiatives to further promote successful partnerships. In addition, the meeting was an occastion to present the new registration tool „PG-Connect“ to the central stakeholders.
Many discussions took place at the stands on improving networking and supporting SMEs for market entry in Africa. ©BMWK / Nancy Portius
Africa as a strategic partner in times of geopolitical tensions
Julia Braune, CEO of the executive management board, at Germany Trade and Invest summed it up neatly: “In times of the current geopolitical tensions, it is crucial to expand the cooperation with our neighbouring continent, Africa. In a strong network of partners, the Africa Business Network brings together different institutions and organisations that promote the exchange and the business cooperation between Germany and Africa.”
The geopolitical tensions of the last few years have demonstrated how important it is to strengthen economic relations with Africa. The ongoing cooperation within the Africa Business Network not only facilitates access to markets on the continent but also creates a foundation for a sustainable and forward looking partnership.
Copyright Teaser-Picture: ©BMWK / Nancy Portius