This project helps Finnish growth companies to succeed in Africa’s growing markets.

Finpro supports the operations of Finnish companies in Africa and helps them to establish themselves on the continent. Finpro has trade centres in Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia. We ensure that Finnish companies receive the best possible support in Africa through effective networking and the provision of local expertise acquired in Africa. Trade centres offer support over wide geographical areas which cover the whole African continent, and Finpro works in close partnership with Finnish embassies, companies and individuals.
 
Finpro offers the following services in Africa:

• Market monitoring and networking services
• Consulting services including market selection, partner search, sales channel development and Export Partner Groups
• Project advisory services
• Commercial delegations
• Foresight services

Finnish companies can approach Africa via many different routes. Not all of these have to be direct - some can be through a third country. French, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish companies are very active both in North Africa and of course in areas where their own languages are spoken. Commercial links between North Africa and the Middle East are strong.
 
China and India are very significant operators on the whole African continent. Opportunities can arise for Finnish partners to participate in, for example, an Indian company’s operations in Africa. Finpro’s local offices actively seek out such opportunities and operate as a Finnish gateway to Africa.
 
In Finland, Finpro raises awareness of African business opportunities and practices by arranging seminars and networking events and publishing reports/surveys and small-scale publications. In seminars, national, regional and sector-based subjects are covered, opening up and developing African markets for Finnish companies. A particularly important role in these activities is played by networking with Africans and Africa experts, who are resident in Finland, as this ensures that all existing skills and knowledge are available for use.

This project is targeted at Finnish SMEs.

The Africa project was launched in 2010 and will continue until at least the end of 2011.

Markus Ranne:
markus.ranne(a)finpro.fi
Tel. +358 40 343 3453