Space to develop relationships
Africa is currently one of the most promising markets in the world. In second place with respect to size and population, rapid natural growth has increased the importance of African countries year after year.
Today, the continent is home to more than 1.2 billion inhabitants, but according to the UN, by 2050 the population will have grown to 2.5 billion, and it is predicted to reach 4.5 billion by 2100. Assuming that the countries of this region will continue to develop at a similar pace, in the long term we can expect a dynamic increase in both the number of potential customers and employees. This is extremely important for investors, which is why, as the Polish Investment and Trade Agency, we are constantly monitoring this market and establishing business contacts that we are certain will pay off in the future.
One of our activities in this area is the Polish-African Economic Forum, organised as part of the Polish economic programme at the World Expo 2020 Dubai. The event is a platform for strengthening Polish-African ties in order to build a friendly business environment and deepen economic relations between our markets. The forum is intended to facilitate the expansion of Polish entrepreneurs to African countries. I am confident that through the exchange of experience and a presentation of our mutual potential, we will provide the right opportunities to work with business partners in Africa.
Africa is an extremely diverse region, both culturally and economically. We have the Maghreb, Central Africa, and finally, completely different from the Arab countries, the countries of the South, with the Republic of South Africa at the forefront. How-ever, what unites them is huge investment potential and points of contact with the Polish economy.
The food sector in particular should be mentioned here. Poland is one of the main producers and exporters of agri-food products in the European Union, in both animal and plant segments. We export agri-food products to more than 190 countries worldwide with a value of more than EUR 32 billion per year. We also have experience in the use of biotechnology within the food sector. The Polish market of small and medium-sized enterprises specialising in this area is growing dynamically from year to year. We can therefore offer African countries food production and processing solutions to ensure food safety. This is extremely important given that food security has been one of the most important topics in the region for several years. The government programmes of almost every African country include a specific strategy for the development of this area (food security strategy programme). This topic is also addressed by international organisations such as the UN and has recently been a major area of focus at African Union summits. Therefore, we see huge potential for cooperation.
Our experiences and needs fit together perfectly and will certainly pave the way toward the development of relationships. Morocco, which has increased imports of Polish cereals several times in the last two years, can be cited as an example of successful cooperation. In 2021, the value of Polish cereal exports to the Moroccan market exceeded PLN 150 million, and given the drought in Morocco, demand will only increase in the near future. Huge Polish companies from the FMCG sector have also been operating in this area for some time, including Sante and Bakaland. Currently, the Maspex Group also plans to enter this market with its wide range of products. This is a trend that is certainly worth observing.
Another area that is worth mentioning is the medical sector. This Polish industry enjoys an excellent reputation on foreign markets. Mostly in EU countries, but also in the US, Japan, Australia, Mexico and South Africa. Domestic producers are constantly looking for new markets and business contracts. Given Africa’s high demand for medicine, it seems to be another likely partner for our country. And we are talking about both North Africa and sub-Saharan Africa. What constitutes our competitive advantage is, above all, high quality at an affordable price. Combined with the reliability and compatibility of Polish products with products of other manufacturers, this makes it possible to perfectly respond to the needs and expectations of African customers.
Other sectors with very high potential include transport and energy. Increasing demand and the global need to increase the share of so-called Green Energy is an opportunity for Polish technology, energy and transport companies. Our entrepreneurs are increasingly present in African countries, and year after year their share in the markets there will only grow.
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