On Thursday 19 June, an Eastern Cape high-level delegation led by the MEC for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEDEAT), Honourable Nonkqubela Pieters, participated in the first North German Business Conference on Africa in Hannover, Germany. The delegation leveraged the conference to strengthen economic ties, attract investment, and open global market opportunities.
The delegation includes the Head of Department of the Department of Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Ms Mickey Mama, Deputy Director-General of Executive Support at the Office of the Premier, Mr. Mahlubandile Qwase, Chief Executive Officer of the Automotive Industry Development Centre, Mr. Thabo Shenxane, Deputy Director of International Relations at the Office of the Premier, Ms. Matemane Mxekezo, Ms. Asanda Xawuka, Executive Manager for Business Development at the Coega Development Corporation, and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation’s Senior Manager for Investment Promotion, Ms. Vuyokazi Gwabeni.
The conference is organised by several Chambers of Commerce and Industry from northern Germany, including the IHKs of Lower-Saxony, Schleswig-Holstein, Hamburg, and Bremen, together with Germany Trade and Invest (GTAI).
It provides a platform for North German entrepreneurs who are active in Africa to engage in meaningful discussions on economic topics, explore opportunities for collaboration and encourage businesses to explore opportunities in African markets.
This year also marks the 30th anniversary of the partnership between the State of Lower Saxony and the Eastern Cape.
The conference explored Africa’s role as a valuable economic partner. Panel discussions at the conference focussed on unlocking business opportunities in the automotive, agriculture, energy and technology sectors, attracting and integrating skilled African professionals, navigating trade logistics and evolving supply chains, driving innovation and fostering intercultural collaboration, as well as access to finance and funding solutions for African business ventures.
The conference also included high value networking sessions with global leaders. These interactions reinforce the Eastern Cape’s commitment to establishing strategic international alliances and partnerships while attracting new investment opportunities for the province.
Eastern Cape – A compelling investment destination.
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