Africa – Belgium Business Week: A huge success
With a convincing success, the sixth edition of Africa-Belgium Business Week has definitely left a mark. The event was organized by the Africa Rise association. The Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel and the President of the Central African Republic Faustin Archange Touadera accompanied by a strong government delegation and economic operators were there to present the economic potential of the country. André Flahaut, Minister of Budget, represented the Wallonia-Brussels Federation. Walloon Brabant MPP Isabelle Kibassa Maliba, godmother of the event sponsor for several years of this event’s life, welcomed the success of its 6th edition held on April 3rd and 4th at the Hotel du Chateau du Lac, in Genval of Belgium.
Prime Minister Charles Michel opened the sixth edition of the Africa-Belgium Business Week or ABBW forum. The Central African Republic, with its Honorary President and Exeuctive Director of the World Diamond Council (CMD), Ms. Marie-Chantal Kaninda represented the country of honor in the 2019 edition. The country’s image was lifted at the highest level by its president, Faustin-Archange Touadera. The Central African Republic set a determined tone for this forum with a delegation of 80 people, the president of the Republic, 9 ministers, and about 50 entrepreneurs. Having said that, this symposium is an opportunity for African and European companies to exchange their expertise and to find opportunities for profitable and sustainable collaboration. Thus, through the numerous conferences, workshops and B to B meetings have enabled the forging of promising contacts at the economic level. The forum’s opening day co-organized by the province of Walloon Brabant celebrated its 6th edition and was entirely devoted to the Central African Republic. President Faustin Archange Touadera, accompanied by his ministers and economic operators gave a high-profile presentation on the promising economic situation of his country. In fact, after several years of conflict, political turmoil, community and security, the country has now embarked on a new phase marked by a viable structural and economic policy.
This is almost enough to convince the 500 participants from 20 African, European and American countries. Fruitful exchanges took place between companies, investment funds and government actors, both Belgian and Central African.
On the last day, the opening speech was read by the President of the Walloon Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippe Suinen and Jacques Delaunoit, Co-Founder of Africa Rise and Forum Sponsor (DG Groupe Delaunoit SA). Then, the importance of tourism in Africa was highlighted in the presence of professionals of the sector, with a panel consisting of start-ups from Walloon Brabant and representatives of African countries. The various presentations were very attractive and showed an interest in the African continent, which has become a big market considering the size of its population and the stakes in its socio-economic evolution. « A new wind blows in Africa; it has opened possibilities to create win-win relationships with Europe. This forum is a success » said MP Isabelle Kibassa Maliba.
Belgium, through its Prime Minister Charles Michel, hailed the efforts of the President of the Central African Republic in his fight for peace and his desire to lead a sustainable economic recovery. After two fruitful days, the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin Archange Touadera chaired the closing ceremony of the forum presented by Mr. Henri Désiré N’Zouzi.
