The 3rd Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) 2023 hosted by the Arab Republic of Egypt in Cairo, from 9-15 November 2023, served as a platform for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to highlight their potential and interact with investors from across the continent. The event proved to be a catalyst for fostering partnerships, encouraging trade, and promoting economic growth within Africa.

The Output 3 of GIZ Support to PIDA: Green Infrastructure Corridors for Intra-African Trade, is a micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME)-driven Digital Solutions to support green infrastructure and trade. Under the initiative, ten African MSMEs have been selected to receive technical advisory services and capacity building. These MSMEs from seven African Union (AU) Member States, that specialize in providing digital solutions for green infrastructure and intra-African trade, representing all five AU regions, have been chosen from a pool of over 50 applicants in response to AUDA-NEPAD’s 2022 Call for MSME-led Digital Solutions which is supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ).

Of the 10 MSMEs supported by AUDA-NEPAD and GIZ, five were selected to exhibit at the AUDA-NEPAD stand during IATF2023. The IATF offered MSMEs a unique opportunity to exhibit their products and services to a diverse and influential audience. With a wide range of sectors represented, including agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and more, MSMEs were able to showcase their innovation and entrepreneurship on a grand scale. The fair served as a launchpad for these businesses to gain exposure, build networks, and explore potential investment avenues.

The presence of investors and financial institutions at the AUDA-NEPAD stand, opened doors for MSMEs seeking capital infusion and strategic partnerships. Throughout the exhibition, MSMEs actively engaged with potential investors, presenting their business models, growth plans, and unique value propositions. These interactions allowed investors to gain insight into the MSMEs’ potential for growth, while SMEs had the chance to pitch their ideas and secure the much-needed funding to drive their businesses forward.

In addition to one-on-one meetings with investors and potential clients/customers, the MSMES also had an opportunity to engage the AUDA-NEPAD CEO. They discussed challenges, opportunities, and strategies for fostering sustainable growth in Africa’s SME sector. The insights shared during these discussions proved invaluable for MSMEs, providing them with guidance on market trends, regulatory frameworks, and access to markets.

In a meeting with the Head of Infrastructure, Dr Towela Nyirenda-Jere, MSMEs engaged in a productive discussion on the deployment of digital solutions in green infrastructure and intra-African trade. The meeting focused on exploring innovative ways to leverage technology for sustainable development and enhancing trade within the continent. There was a shared commitment to further explore the potential of digital solutions in green infrastructure development and intra-African trade. The MSMEs expressed their readiness to collaborate with other relevant stakeholders to drive the adoption of digital technologies, promote sustainable practices, and enhance trade across the continent. By harnessing the power of digital solutions, MSMEs aim to contribute to the development of green infrastructure and the expansion of intra-African trade. They recognize that innovative technologies, combined with collaborative efforts, can create a more sustainable and prosperous future for Africa.

Furthermore, the MSMEs had an interaction with the Gender Expert, Jessica Annor, who among other things highlighted the importance of women inclusion in the development of digital technology. The conversation centred around recognizing the untapped potential of women in the tech industry and the need to create an enabling environment for their participation. On the other hand, the MSMEs emphasized that women bring unique perspectives, skills, and creativity to the digital technology sector. They argued that by harnessing the talents of women, the industry can benefit from diverse insights and innovative solutions, leading to more inclusive and effective technologies.

Post – IATF Success Stories:

Several success stories emerged in the aftermath of the IATF, highlighting concrete results that can be achieved through interactions between SMEs and investors. For instance, Milimonline, a technology startup operating in the Malawian Agri-Food Marketplace, effectively established communication with a local commercial bank in Malawi, which resulted in a prospective partnership that could potentially involve direct investment. Discussions regarding a prospective partnership agreement with Absa Bank of Zambia are currently underway. These substantial investments from the banks will enable the organization to extend its operations and achieve a more extensive presence throughout the continent. In response to the insightful feedback provided by customers, Milimonline has modified their business model from one of commission to one of subscription. Additionally, the IATF assisted Milimonline in identifying 56 potential customers; since then, the company has onboarded 12 high-value clients from four African countries.

During IATF, Eazy Chain, a logistic startup from Togo, formed four strategic partnerships with major players in the logistics industry. These partnerships not only offered financial support but also shared their knowledge in market penetration and distribution networks, thereby contributing to the overall expansion of the logistics sector in Togo. Eazy Chain has formed a partnership with a well-known pet food manufacturer from France to manage their operations in Togo.

Since IATF, Eazy Chain experienced a significant 25% increase in website traffic. This rise is a clear indication of increased interest and involvement in their services, showcasing the beneficial influence of participating in international trade events. Currently, Eazy Chain has successfully acquired 25 more new customers. These customers demonstrate a strong desire to utilize their services for the importation and exportation of commodities to and from Togo. The increase in the number of new clients is evidence of the expanding confidence and acknowledgment of Eazy Chain’s capabilities of Eazy Chain.

These success stories demonstrate the power of the IATF in connecting SMEs with investors and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships. Among the numerous success stories that emerged from the fair, the interactions between the five MSMEs and potential investors and partners left a lasting impression.