In partnership with BUSINESSMED (Union of Mediterranean Confederations of Enterprises),  sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and under the supervision  of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, the UnionCamere, ENEA and the CNA, the 2nd Edition of the Italia Africa Business Week took place in Rome, Italy October 17-18 2018 at the Spazio Eventi Tirso.

The Italia Africa Business Week is a two days of conferences, round tables, meetings and networking for efficient partnerships.

Nearly 300 companies and institutions, as well as the media, were invited to take part in this important event in order to join the efforts of African and Italian actors for the development of the African continent and the growth of the Italian economy as well as to attract attention to challenges and opportunities in different key sectors.

“It is necessary to replace the donor-recipient mentality through partnership & economic cooperation. In this respect, Africa is Europe’s partner in crucial issues: management of commercial, financial, environmental, agricultural & foreign policies” said Mrs. Saida Naghza, President of BUSINESSMED while highlighting the importance of such events and the role of BUSINESSMED as a Mediterranean business organization that strives to strengthen the bounds between the African, Mediterranean and European business communities by creating a suitable environment between the regions.

During “The Italian Industrial Culture for the Development of Africa”  session of the 2nd day of the IABW forum, Mr. Gianni Lettieri, 1st Vice President of BUSINESSMED highlighted the importance of industrialization that embraces the African continent, while emphasizing on the vital role of human capital and the know-how in the process of exploiting regional and global value chains.

This Forum aimed to be the first in a series of economic meetings and exchanges between Italian and African entrepreneurs wishing to develop new economic and commercial partnership.

The event was above all a great opportunity to anticipate trends in African growth. With an unprecedented growth forecast, the African continent represents the future market for investment and business opportunities.