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South African trade mission to build links with Ghana and Nigeria

12 August 2015

Trade and Industry Deputy Minister Mzwandile Masina will lead a team of South African businesspeople on a trade mission to the Ghana and Nigeria from 17 to 21 August, with the goal to find a suitable platform for South African companies to promote and sell products and services in the African market.

"The mission will serve as an ideal opportunity for South African companies to export value-added products and services to Ghana and Nigeria, and for penetration of companies that are looking for investment opportunities in these African countries," the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said yesterday.

"The mission presents the DTI with an opportunity to continue to pursue economic collaboration and partnerships with African countries. This as we continue crafting the way forward for economic development and the development of investment in the African continent," Masina added.

South Africa had taken a conscious decision to partner with Nigeria – one of Africa's fastest growing economies – during their development phases. Both countries, like much of Africa, presented a wealth of business opportunities for South African companies, he said.

Bilateral trade between South Africa and Ghana has grown in the last half- decade, from R2.6-billion to R10.8-billion between 2010 and 2014. While trade between South Africa and Nigeria has fluctuated during the same period, it has broadly been upward, going from R20.5-billion in 2010 to R66.2-billion in 2014.

Industries earmarked for the trade mission include agriculture and agro- processing, build environment professionals, infrastructure, furniture and wood processing, and mining. The programme will include trade and investment seminars, exhibitions, business to business meetings and site visits.

Source: News24Wire