Key Take-aways:
Nhlanhla Dlamini,
Founder and CEO of Maneli Pets,
South Africa and Nandi Pets Inc, US:
- When starting an export business, make sure you have a strong local customer base so that your business does not solely depend on exports.
- Due diligence is crucial to the success of any export business
Temitope Jebutu,
Managing Director AACE Foods, Nigeria:
- Build confidence with your buyers through the quality of your products.
- It is important to register with the appropriate export regulatory agencies in your country before you can can export other countries.
- You must research and understand the standard specifications required for your product for each country you plan on exporting to.
Henri E. Stetter,
Senior Private Sector Development Advisor,
USAID/West Africa Trade and Investment Hub:
- Key elements to increase product competitiveness:
- Productive enhancement
- IT infrastructure improvement
- Implementation of quality standards
- Innovation
- Market access and export development
- Logistics.
- Your product needs to be market-led and fulfil their needs in order to be competitive in the global market
Kara Diallo
AGOA Specialist,
USAID/West Africa Trade and Investment Hub
- AGOA's objectives include:
- Promoting increased trade and investment between the US and Sub-Saharan Africa Countries.
- Promoting increased access and opportunities for US investors and business in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Promoting economic development and reforms in Sub-Saharan Africa
- AGOA eligible businesses can export under AGOA with a 0% duty free treatment