One year ago, Globally Cool co-launched the first edition of West Africa Connect – an online matchmaking event for textiles, garments and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) suppliers and buyers. On September 20th and 21st, we did it again and went beyond. Funded by the European Union, the collaborated work with WACOMP, UNIDO, ITC, ECOWAS and UEMOA helped mango, cassava and ICT companies meet together and shake hands for new B2B partnerships. That is not all! The event was not only online this time but also on the ground in Ghana. Businesses had the opportunity to connect on-site or virtually. Our international trade consultants Wietske and Valeria flew to Accra, Ghana and guided, monitored and assisted in event coordination. Of course, this was done together with the rest of the team, supporting the online activities from our Leeuwarden office.
Let’s bring the statistics
We are more than thrilled to share what made us proud to be part of this hybrid West Africa Connect event. With participants from 16 West African countries, mango, cassava and ICT service providers shared positive outcomes and emotions. We are going to leave the numbers to speak for themselves:
- More than 200 Small and Medium- Sized Enterprises participated both on-site and virtually.
- Over 20 regional and international buyers took part in the event.
- Approximately 150 B2B meetings were organised both on-site and virtually.
- 25 high-level speakers presented the challenges in the mango and cassava sector, how to modernise agribusiness in West Africa and opportunities in the value chain.
Match. Meet. Trade
West Africa Connect is an example of a bridge that connects businesses for long-term partnerships and building commercial transactions. Suppliers and buyers of mango, cassava and ICT services are following the prosperous steps of textiles, garments and ICT companies taken one year ago.
If you are curious about meeting new business partners, we can help! Globally Cool has built a massive network over the last 15 years, and we continue to help companies connect around the globe. Contact us and discover your matchmaking opportunities!