GO AFRICA CIRCLE

In May 2006, the GO AFRICA CIRCLE has been established. The Circle provides tailor-made information for companies with special interests in Sub-Saharan Africa. The participation in the GO AFRICA CIRCLE is open to any company. 20 companies have already joined the Circle during the first year of AABD’s existence. These participants have enjoyed the opportunity to specify their particular interests in the African market and they made use of the various services provided by AABD.

In 2006, special interests have been pursued in the following countries:

• Angola
• Kenya
• Mozambique
• Uganda

In 2006, two Business Missions have been organised together with the Austrian Chamber of Commerce – Kenya / Uganda (March 2006) and Angola / Mozambique (October 2006). Funding was mainly covered through membership subscriptions. During the initiation phase, the GO AFRICA CIRCLE has received financial assistance from the initiative “go international”, the internationalisation program of the Austrian government and the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber (Aussenwirtschaft Österreich – AWO).

For 2007, the list of the above mentioned countries has been extended in accordance with the requests of the member companies by the following countries:

• Burkina Faso
• Cameroon
• Ethiopia
• Tanzania

So far, AABD covers the following sectors corresponding to the interests expressed by the participants in the GO AFRICA CIRCLE:

• Energy
• Forestry
• Health
• Industry (general)
• Railways
• Roads
• Transport
• Water and Sewage
• Food Industry

In order to meet the needs of Austrian companies with business activities in Sub Saharan Africa, AABD recently enhanced its program. From July 2007 onwards the GO AFRICA CIRCLE follows a more open and comprehensive approach.
The circle’s regional focus has been widened and is now encompassing all African countries with focus on the Sub Saharan region. Moreover and in order to attract particularly small and medium sized companies, AABD provides its services on individual basis now. Instead of an annual fee payment for participation in the GO AFRICA CIRCLE, participation in GO AFRICA CIRCLE Meetings is now based on contribution towards expenses for the respective meeting. In addition, AABD’s services shall be available to companies on their request and based on individual agreements.