MESSAGE
FROM THE
COMMISSIONER
Amb. Albert Muchanga, Commissioner for the Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals, African Union Commission
The African Union attaches great importance to the provision of transparent and thorough information to all investors and trade partners of the African continent. Business results will not be adequately reflected unless there is high-quality information dissemination and communication with trading partners and investors.
In this context, the AUC developed this digital trade and investment portal to facilitate engagement among businesses within and outside the continent. Primarily, this Portal has been created to serve international exporters, importers, manufacturers, traders, services providers, and merchants looking to establish contacts with their business counterparts in Africa. Also, it aims to promote direct connections between African businessmen and prospective international partners by providing useful information on various segments of the African economy.
There is no doubt that this platform will be a useful instrument in promoting trade and investment within the continent and between Africa and the rest of the world. It will provide African businesses with the opportunity to explore new sources of supply while at the same time giving overseas companies an excellent opportunity to identify partners with whom to work to promote their products and services on the continent.
More importantly, the platform is meant to be a relevant and easy to use tool for those active and interested in doing business on the African continent.
It is my hope that with the availability of this important new digital resource, large and small businesses will take advantage of it to improve the operations of their enterprises. As support programs evolve, with new programs emerging and some closing, the platform will similarly be updated to present the most up-to-date information.
It is, therefore, my pleasure to offer, on behalf of the African Union Commission, this important information for businesses within and outside the continent. We encourage all users, both small and large, to make full use of this platform, provide feedback to enhance it, and inform others about its existence.
Lastly, I would like to acknowledge the work of the Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals: Mr. Djamel Ghrib, Director of Economic Development, Integration and Trade; Mr. Charles Chiza, Acting Director of Industry, Minerals, Entrepreneurship, and Tourism; Mr. Hussein Hassan Head of Industry, Innovation, and Minerals; Mr. Islam Swaleh, Acting Head of Entrepreneurship and Investment, Ms. Ron Osman, Senior Policy Officer, Industry; Mr. Elia Karuhanga, Policy Officer, Private Sector Development and Dr. Patrick Olomo, Policy Officer Private Sector Development.
