The last five years have witnessed the emergence of Africa as one of the fastest growing markets for consumer and capital goods. As more and more countries in Africa embark on economic liberisation drives, the markets in Africa have suddenly become alive with hectic business activity. In recent times there has seen a tremendous growth in demand from African countries - Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Congo - that have emerged as new markets for many internationa suppliers. As a result, Africa, all of a sudden, has emerged as the market of tomorrow.

As part of our continuing efforts to increase two-way trade and investments between Africa and the global economy, we publish the BUSINESS GUIDE AFRICA magazine that has helped create awareness about Africa's immense business potential by highlighting many investment and trading opportunities in many African countries. The magazine also promotes direct B2B contact between African buyers and international suppliers by providing a viable and effective advertising and promotion platform. By advertising in BUSINESS GUIDE AFRICA, many international suppliers have been successful in identifying and interacting directly with their business counterparts. (Here are some testimonials).

During our long association with Africa, we have come to realise that the ever-increasing demand for consumer goods in African countries needs to be met through some innovative and unique selling techniques. Therefore, we have introduced the Online Catalogue, the first of its kind, which has helped our African readers in sourcing their goods directly, without having to travel and spending their precious money on visa fee, airline tickets and hotel accommodation. As requested by our African readers, we have also included details all the products displayed in the Online Catalogues - thereby making it easier for them to compare various products before deciding on their final purchase. Orders are processed either through telephone, mail, fax or via the Internet. Selected sections of the Online Catalogue have been placed on the Africa Business Pages to further expand the reach and effectiveness of our publication.

Our dedicated website has details of various aspects of the business scenario in Africa including business updates, import/export procedures, business contacts, e-mail addresses of companies in Africa, market reports and much more. Hope you find our website informative and useful. Your comments and suggestions on how to further improve our presence on the Internet are welcome.

The results of our continued efforts to promoting direct trade with Africa have been promising - trade to and from Africa has been increasing with the passing of each year. Importers in Africa are able to connect directly with suppliers worldwide though our website. Conversely, international manfacturers and traders are also able to directly get in touch with importers in Africa through our dedicated Africa Business Directory – the only platform of its kind that lists companies in Africa categorised by different trade sectors. We also provide direct downloads of the African Importers Directories of over 30 African countries. By downloading the African Importers Directories, international suppliers can contact their business counterparts in Africa.

In keeping with the changing tiimes, we hve prominent presence in social media sites like Facebook. The Africa Business Pages Facebook Page has gained immense popularity with netizens in Africa as well as other parts of the world.

We also develop multimedia content to further increase thereach and effectiveness of our publication, BUSINESS GUIDE AFRICA. As a result, we launched our dedicated Youtube Channel in 2001. Our Video Reports are gaining increasing popularity amongs our viewship – providing us an extended reach to our targetted audience.

The current economic crisis that has engulfed the world has also thrown open a lot of opportunities and forced us to look at new options and possibilities. By breaking the established mould, the economic downturn has, in a way, forced us to look for new pastures. Adapt or perish – the old adage – seems to be so true in the current economic situation. As a result, many businesses around the world are now rethinking their corporate strategies and planning to adapt to the changing economic scenario with a view to maximise profits and cutting overheads.

Viewed against this backdrop, Africa has once again emerged as an attractive place to do business in. Relatively untouched by the global economic crisis, African markets represent a plethora of opportunities when it comes to investments, trade and industry. The untapped and emerging markets in Africa are therefore being targeted by all kinds of businesses – from small trading houses to multinational corporate entities. Profit margins in Africa are high, most of the business is done on cash, demand for most consumer and capital goods is growing – all these factors have made Africa a perfect place to do business. .

As more and more avenues for trade to Africa open up, the need for promoting direct business links acquires renewed significance. Our website aims at providing a platform to strengthen to and from Africa by bringing together the business communities of Africa and the international markets.

We welcome your suggestions and comments to help us in our endeavours...

Editor