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13 Juin 2024
A delegation comprising 16 prominent manufacturing companies recently participated in the Mauritius-Africa: Trade and Business Forum, organised by the Industry Department of the Economic Development Board (EDB). The mission, spanning from October 30 to November 10, 2023, covered three Southern African countries: Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia. The purpose of the mission, led by Mr. Geerish Bucktowonsing, Director – Industry at EDB, was to promote partnership in view to increase intra-trade collaboration.
Zambia: Paving the Way for Business and Collaboration
The delegation was in Zambia on the 30th and 31st October 2023. The Zambian stakeholders were impressed by the wide range of products from Mauritius, namely: paints, apparels, furniture, detergents and footwear amongst others. Mr. Bucktowonsing met the CEO of the COMESA Business Council, Mr. Teddy Soobramanien, to explore trade and business opportunities within the COMESA region.
Botswana: Navigating a Competitive Market
After Zambia, the delegation headed to Botswana on the 2nd and 3rd November 2023 to develop new strategies to position Mauritian goods on this competitive market, where South African suppliers and distributors have a high degree of influence. The Botswana leg of the mission was an opportunity to engage further with the distribution channel. New opportunities are now emerging to promote the regional sourcing of diamonds in an effort to build the regional value chain for the luxury industry.
Namibia: Exploring New Frontiers in Trade Relationships
The business forum and business-and-sellers meeting in Namibia unfolded on November 6 and 7, 2023. The mission identified key areas for elevating trade relationships between Mauritius and Namibia. The outcomes are expected to pave the way for future collaboration, with a forthcoming visit from a delegation comprising key stakeholders, institutions, and business leaders from each of these Southern African countries.
