African Week in São Paulo promotes debate on business in Africa
Promoting and expanding commercial ties between Africa and Brazil is one of the goals of the African Week, slated to take place in São Paulo from May 22 to 25, and expected to include activities related to culture, cuisine, business, and international relations.
In the first two days, the Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas) will promote the African Business, with lectures and debates aimed at showcasing the best ways for Brazilian investors to do business with African partners.
Created in 1975, Ecowas is made up of 15 countries: Nigeria, Mali, Niger, Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Cape Verde, Gambia, and Guinea.
The round of talks aims to consolidate and expand Africa–Brazil relations. In 2012, Brazilian investment in the African continent totaled $4.4 billion. In 2016, however, this figure sank to $2.2 billion. Faced with such a sharp plunge, African executives are pledging to unveil revolutionary business ideas in a bid to draw investment from Brazilian entrepreneurs once again.
Opportunities
“Our idea is to present as many opportunities Africa can offer Brazil as possible, in addition to portraying a contemporary Africa filled with opportunities,” said Silvana Saraiva, organizer of the African Business. She said that São Paulo was chosen to host the even “as it is the country’s number one economic capital and the city where 22 African consulates are located.”
Otunba Aderonmy, head of the African Cultural Center, reiterated that the business meeting aims to “once again consolidate business between Africa and Brazil and forge even deeper trade relations in a number of sectors, like industry, agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, education, retail, processed food, equipment, car parts, and health care. We’re working to have a successful first edition, so that the even can be regarded as a byword in the field.”
For more information, visit www.africanweek.com.br.
