NABA founded as a Chamber of Commerce
The 20th of September the Norwegian-African Business Association (NABA) was formally founded as a Chamber of Commerce. As the first ever Norwegian Chamber of Commerce linking Norway and African countries, NABA will ensure a better relationship between Norwegian and African business communities.
The Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO) is pleased to be a part of the founding of NABA as a Chamber of Commerce. More Norwegian companies are discovering interesting business opportunities in African markets, but knowledge and connections are often a challenge. This is where NABA can make a difference.
Espen Søilen, Director of the International department at NHO and Chairperson of NABA.Representatives from NHO, Virke, Norfund, Statoil, Yara International, Nortura and DLA Piper constitute the first board of NABA, and the board was elected at the founding meeting at Næringslivets Hus the 20th of September. Together with Dansk Industri (DI) NABA is one of the two Nordic members of the European Business Council for Africa and the Mediterranean (EBCAM) – an association of European sister organisations representing more than 4000 European companies present in African markets.NABA will assists its member companies with knowledge and analysis; facilitating network meetings and crucial contacts; arrange seminars, expert meetings and business missions; and provide support through advocacy and advisory services. NABA will also be an important forum for Norwegian companies present in African markets seeking to share their experiences.
Through our activites we will contribute to better Norwegian-African trade and business collaboration.
Eivind Fjeldstad, Managing Director NABA.The 12th of October NABA invites to the second annual Norwegian-African Business Summit 2012 at the Plaza Hotel in Oslo. The Summit serves as a great platform for Norwegian and African business communities to meet. Key speakers already confirmed include Google’s Regional Lead for Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Joseph Mucheru; His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II from Ghana; Uganda’s Minister of Privatisation and Investments, Mr. Aston P. Kajara; Minister of Investments in Sudan, Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail; as well as prominent business leaders from both Norway and from African countries.– The main theme of the Summit is the increasing African consumer sector. After the main session there will be five special sessions exploring the opportunities within the oil and gas sector; the renewable energy sector; the telecom/technology sectors; agribusiness and finance. There will also be speed-meetings with African ambassadors – so far more than 17 embassies have already confirmed their participation, Fjeldstad concludes.