On September 11, 2024, an event titled Doing Business in Africa with the African Development Bank (AfDB) took place at Hotel Arthur in Helsinki. Organized by Business Finland and the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, this forum brought together Finnish businesses, African professionals, and experts from the African Development Bank to explore the vast opportunities Africa offers. The event opened with remarks from Valerie Dabady and Mette Knudsen, members of AfDB's executive board, who outlined the Bank's mission to foster inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa.
A key highlight of the event was the presentation by Frank Mvula on the AfDB procurement process. Mvula shared best practices on navigating tenders with the Bank, emphasizing the importance of avoiding common mistakes. From there, discussions dived into sector-specific opportunities, with Mike Salawou presenting infrastructure projects, Farai Kanonda focusing on energy initiatives, Eskinder Demissie covering water and sanitation, and Eren Kelekci discussing agriculture and agribusiness.
Following a Q&A session, Aida Ngom took the stage to share AfDB’s support for the private sector. She highlighted the Bank's role in providing guarantee products, investments, and partnerships that drive economic transformation across the continent.
Importance of Events like These for the Afro-Finnish Community
For the Afro-Finnish business community, attending such meetings is critical. Africa is rapidly evolving, and its demand for infrastructure, energy, and other key sectors presents substantial opportunities for businesses willing to invest in the continent's future. These events connect professionals and entrepreneurs with vital knowledge on how to enter African markets through AfDB-backed projects.
For the Afro-Finnish community in particular, the importance of being part of this transformation cannot be overstated. As we look for opportunities to bridge Finland and Africa, AfDB presents a direct path for us to contribute to, and benefit from, Africa's economic growth.
Opportunities in Africa and the Urgency to Act
The opportunities presented at this event span sectors that are crucial for Africa’s development. Whether it’s energy projects aimed at expanding clean power across the continent or infrastructure initiatives designed to improve connectivity, there is an urgent need for global collaboration. Africa is a continent on the move, and as the African Union aims for sustainable development, the time to act is now.
For detailed information about the opportunities discussed and how to apply for those, follow me on my YouTube page Blackxcelens where I share in-depth insights on business in general and business in Africa in particular. See you there!
Elvis Fuamba
12.9.2024
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