BY DANIEL ALEMAYEHU
It is the fact that countries have been using multiple ways to make themselves known to the world. Bringing their best experiences, nations can attract what they want from the world and also introduce what they can provide to the globe. In good truth, some countries have a better experience in introducing and selling their brands. Indeed, there are also countries that keep their names to be the best producers of specific items.
Talking about keeping the one’s best label, Germany is one of the ideal examples in this regard. The world knows the nation by its vehicles and other machinery productions. What makes those products the best is users might say that they can last long without any major repair. Those nations that have better brands have started sharing their experiences to the world. To this end, these nations have taken steps towards accomplishing it. In relation to such issues, the event dubbed “Made in Germany- Africa” is one of the many.
Recently, the Government of Germany and German companies have shown their interest to create a tight partnership with Africa as the continent has untapped natural and human resources. In paving ways to experience sharing and creating strong trade partnership, the Government of Germany and the African Continent have selected Addis Ababa, the Capital of Ethiopia to be host the Made in Germany- Africa Expo. According to a high- ranking German Diplomat, the reason behind selecting Addis Ababa as a venue is that the country has registered promising and continues economic growth over the past years.
Delivering the press conference in relation to the expo, Head of the German Embassy Economy, Culture and Press Section Onur Yel mentioned points about the expo and the reason behind selecting Ethiopia as a venue. As to the head, Ethiopia’s market is boosting so that the nation was selected to host Germany’s biggest event in Africa.
It was expected that more than 2500 German and African professionals, investors, diplomats, government personnel as well as other stakeholders attend Germany’s biggest expo and it became true. In addition, the event has a potential to open unique opportunity doors to discuss and refresh existing relationships of the two sides, the head elucidated.
The head further noted that, in addition to paving ways to business- to- business network among German companies and their African counterparts, the expo is the result of mutual efforts of the Government of Ethiopia and the Government of Germany to make it happen.
Adding on what has been mentioned by the head, Trade and Fairs Consulting GmbH CEO Skander Negasi elaborated that before choosing Ethiopia to host the expo, German companies have conducted feasibility studies. These companies have found Ethiopia’s market very attractive for their products.
Moreover, Skander added, “The companies have done a full market study about the potential for German products in Ethiopia and the African continent at large and they found that there is a very promising market here. German firms are also expecting very successful business-to-business network with African counterparts that will conclude with agreements and joint ventures.”
The CEO disclosed the growing desire of German companies to invest and start their business in Ethiopia. Not only that, those companies are eager to maximize their involvement in the nation’s market. Skander stated, “Our Company is exerting efforts to bring more of them to Ethiopia and the three-day session will help to facilitate this.”
By the same token, Managing Partner of East African Consulting PLC and Economic Representative of the German State of Baden-Württemberg Estifanos Samuel mentioned that the expo is not a kind of event for Germany stakeholders to preach what Africa has to do rather, as to him, “It is a platform to seek the opportunities for mutual progress and ensure the benefits of the people and economies of Germany and Africa.”
On top of the idea that was entertained by Skander regarding the growing interest of German companies’ in Ethiopia’s market potential, Estifanos stressed on the need of implementing practicable legal framework that can transform the observed demand and interest to next level of actual investment.
Yel, who is also a First Secretary of the German Embassy, again pinpointed that German and African experts will be seated around the table to discuss on the solutions for African educational organizations. Moreover, other African stakeholders will meet up with German companies who are leading companies in infrastructure, clean cities, building systems, environmental solutions, digitalization and manufacturing of machines.
He noted that, financing projects, leasing machines for agro-processing and other financial issues will be discussed with the World Bank, IMF and the German KfW Bank. In accordance with the other financial discussions, other meetings will be held to discuss on the new important European and German regulations for Ethiopian and African exporters. “Known as the only African event of its kind, Made in Germany- Africa offers a significant opportunity to find the best economic and political solutions for Africa’s needs.”
It was learnt that the expo was held from March 2- 4, 2023, and it was expected that it will provide a favorable ground for key African industries to bring the best in enhancing multilateral trade partnerships. The event is organized by the Trade and Fairs Group (TFG), a German- based company and the German Embassy in Addis Ababa, with the support of the German Ministry of Trade and Climate Protection Ethiopia and the Ethiopian government.
Be that it may, Germany Ambassador to Ethiopia, Stephan Auerin in his welcoming note posted on the expo’s official website said, “As partner and co-organizer of MADE IN GERMANY – AFRICA the team of the German Embassy and I are pleased to welcome all participants from Germany as well as all counterparts from Africa. Germany is known for a wide range high-quality and reliable products. Innovative solutions for today’s markets, sustainability and customer satisfaction have been hallmarks of German Companies for many decades. We wish everyone who participates in MADE IN GERMANY – AFRICA a great time and successful business.”
According to the conference’s schedule, issues such as: Perspectives on the AfCFTA, its Potential and Challenges, The Supply Chain Due Diligence Act – Human and Labour Rights Protection Expanded to Global Value Chains, German Dual Education System, East Africa – Development and Economic Outlook, Finance in Africa 2023: Navigating the Financial Landscape in Turbulent Times would be entertained.
The Ethiopian Herald March 7/2023
