Lagos, Nigeria

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The network office of German chambers of industry and commerce for Africa (INA) today starts its advisory service for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) which wish to gain a foothold on the African market. INA is institutionally anchored in the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK). It is part of the Africa Business Network of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). The Economic Affairs Ministry will be providing funding totalling €2.2 million for INA’s advisory service in the coming years.

INA will be offering an additional service to promote foreign trade and investment in Africa. In the future, INA will be providing initial advice to German SMEs who wish to enter African markets to promote foreign trade and investment. For this purpose, INA will make use of the established network of the DIHK, the chambers of industry and commerce (IHKs) and the bilateral chambers of industry and commerce (AHKs) and set up contacts with experts on Africa from business, government and administrations. On this basis, the project team will provide advice to SMEs on their market opportunities in Africa, support their market entry, and inform them about funding possibilities and contact persons regarding the promotion of foreign trade and investment. In addition, the team will develop advice and information products regarding the promotion of foreign trade and investment in Africa.

Furthermore, the Africa Partner is a personal contact provided for German enterprises by the office of the Africa Business Network, and will support them throughout the entire advice process.