The International Trade department organises trade missions to Africa in the energy and related sector activities.

These missions provide an ideal platform for companies new to African markets to find out more about doing business there and business opportunities. For companies already established in the market they present opportunities to strengthen existing business relationships and forge new ones.

International Trade Department can assist your company meet its exporting goals as our missions provide an excellent way for companies to visit international markets as part of an organised group of like-minded business people. Our previous missions have been highly successful in generating business and media coverage for participating companies.

As a mission member, you will join a high profile group and attend organised group events with the flexibility to also pursue individual business objectives. A more intensive programme of tailored meetings can be organised by UK Trade & Investment market specialists under the OMIS (Overseas Market Introduction Service) initiative for an additional fee.

Full Benefits of Participation

• Fully supported by in-country partner organisations

• Opportunity to participate in pre-arranged group meetings, site visits and in-country briefings

• Networking events to engage with local business people and clients

• A chance to network and exchange information with other missioners

• Logistical assistance from International Trade Department’s mission manager and support/advice on markets

• Inclusion in dual language mission brochure (circulated in advance of mission)

• Assistance with travel arrangements through appointed travel agent

• Shared logistical costs (for example, brochure, transport, etc)

• A chance to network and exchange information with other missioners

1. Providing support prior, during and post event

Ahead of the visit, experienced and professional International Trade Department staff will assist your company with essential research required to make the trade mission a success. In-country, representatives of government agencies such as UKTI, the local Chamber network and other partner trade associations will provide hands-on support during the mission to ensure maximum impact for your company.

Throughout the duration of the market visit, an experienced manager is on hand to offer support and necessary introductions in-country. Such support does not stop with the mission; we go a step further, helping with follow-up that will ultimately determine whether the mission is a success for you.

2. Briefing seminars, networking opportunities/group activities, Globalscots/similar networks, Chamber networks

Networking receptions, information seminars and site visits in-country will allow you to quickly tap into the local business network and experience the dominant business culture first-hand.  These also offer a chance to meet and network with local clients and suppliers to assess legal, taxation and customs aspects, the competition, local pricing structures, procurement policies, and details of upcoming contract opportunities.

Visits to office and base facilities during the mission are often conducted in order to give an indication of real estate availability and costs.  Assistance is provided by International Trade Department’s local networks and market specialists to organise tailored meetings for you with representatives of leading operators and contractors and also provide contact lists for key local decision makers.

3. Advice/mentoring

Where possible an International Trade Department business executive will undertake a one-to-one session with each company to assess their levels of preparedness for that particular market.  Guidance is provided to prepare you for the visit and to maximise your effectiveness when there. After the visit, your company will be advised as to how to best follow-up and capitalise on the trade mission.

4. Promoting networking within the group

Apart from the structured programme of events and receptions a well organised market visit gives delegates an opportunity to network with representatives of other companies very often in the same situation. Some may have previous experience of entering the market and can share their personal experiences to add real value to the other members of the party.

For more information please visit www.africabusinesscentre.co.uk or contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it