5 Businesses to Launch that drives Trade with Africa®

 

How do we land this plane? - Figuratively

For years now I have driven trade with Africa engagements at all levels; building globally relevant brands, platforms and businesses that help move the dialogue forward on the fact that Africa exist firmly within the context of Global Business. Now others seek to do the same. They ask me about how they too can get more involved and for tangible business ideas they could implement for themselves.

This has become the essence of my work. In fact, what sets me apart is that from Day 1 I was never about just talking but about doing. The dialogue was the "arrow head" strategy leveraged to drive meaningful engagement, sensitization and mobilization of stakeholders to propel them in the same direction with a shared and common goal; we seek to Trade with Africa. For those who have been following my work from the very beginning, permit me to say 'Phase 1' is complete we have now successfully moved into 'Phase 2'.

Phase 1 was about "clearing the noise" and creating a pathway for Trade with Africa engagement. The Noise in this case was the existing narrative around Africa primarily only being about war, famine, diseases i.e. western media's caricature of a region of over 1 billion people! It was an uphill battle I faced - we all faced. Having to justify our findings, having to convince people, having to sell the idea of Africa as a region destined for massive global transformation driven by trade transactions and not charity - a never ending and tiring process indeed...Today, thankfully, I no longer have to do this - my work is fully established with results. However, if you are still within the group of those who do not see Africa for the huge potential it represents, be ready for your skepticism to pay a heavy future price...

For those who are ready to dive in and wondering where and how to engage - here are 5 business areas to focus on and for you to consider seriously:

1. Exporter: Exporting is truly the bedrock of international trade development; the quest to expand beyond territories. In this case you could be a foreign brand looking to penetrate the African market with your products, services or talents (creative industry) or you could be an African brand looking to export from Africa to other regions of the world.
2. Importer: This is the mirror opposite for exports where you position yourself as the "receiver"/buyer of brands and products coming into your market. There is tremendous opportunities in this space since most exporters may not be ready to build footprint in regions they are not fully familiar with. Local players and businesses can take on such partnership responsibilities.
3. Trade Facilitator: You are not the buyer and you are not the seller - so what are you? When you are in a deal signing room, you will usually find many more people other than those with actual signatory responsibility. Every one of those people who play some form of role that helps drive the deal forward are those I call "Trade Facilitators" - without them nothing truly ever happens. They are the Trade financing institutions, international trade lawyers, Researchers that conduct the "Due diligence reports" etc. They play a unique role and they are often paid for services rendered in securing closure of deals. When the deal closes, they depart and move on to the next one. (In my Trade and Investment Facilitation Masterclass I cover how to successfully play this role.)
4. Service Provider: Moving products from point A to point B requires touch points along the entire value chain managed and controlled by various Service Providers. They are the logistics companies, those who run warehouses, Agents, Brokers, Distributors, Marketers, PR Agencies all providing services to trade and investment stakeholders.
5. Consultant, Educator, Adviser, Analyst etc.: There is a new demand for everyone to "level up" their performance along the entire value chain and you can train, coach and teach others in your field.

I also play a huge role in this space providing education, services and support to both government leaders and private sector players to help them successfully advance their trade and investment goals through consulting and value delivery.

As example I am hosting a 4 Week Coaching class this June "Build your Business - Build your Life" - enrollment is open now. Learn more on how to register here.

Finally, if you are already fulfilling any of these roles and you wish to expand your reach and generate more leads for your business, joining the Business, Trade & Investment portal is key for you. I meet with each new member to assess their needs and see how the community can support them in achieving their goals.

Welcome to our newest members this week: Sean Gotkin, VP of Business Development at All Office, where he oversee growth and business opportunities across Southern Africa. | Loubna Bennis, Marketing and CGP Expert from Morocco. | John McCullough, American Business man facilitating the import of high-end furniture from Nigeria into the U.S. Market for distribution. JOIN US! www.nazaru.trade

Toyin Umesiri is the Founder of the acclaimed Trade with Africa Business Summit, CEO of Nazaru LLC. and leads the Business, Trade and Investment Network formerly Trade with Africa® Network; a fast-growing community of Trade experts, Government officials, Policy makers, Investors, Exporters, Service providers, Diaspora leaders and Innovators growing Trade with Africa®.

Contact: info@toyinumesiri.com | Website: www.toyinumesiri.com