Trade and Investment

African Business Associations: Case Studies In Raising Revenues

In today’s dynamic global economy, associations and chambers are embracing innovative strategies to bolster their revenue streams and achieve long-term sustainability. Leveraging trade and investment services has emerged as a key driver in this pursuit, enabling members of these associations to tap into new markets and forge fruitful partnerships. Discover the remarkable ways organizations are capitalizing on these opportunities, highlighting their proactive efforts to link members to potential customers, partners and investors, generate revenue, foster growth, and establish sustainable frameworks.


Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Abuja International Trade Fair 23-Brochure Download

The Abuja International Trade Fair: A Tradition of Association Sustainability and Revenue Generation

The Abuja International Trade Fair (AITF), an annual event organized by the Abuja Trade Center of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry since 2006, has become a hallmark occasion and a significant source of income for the Chamber. This prestigious fair offers both Nigerian and foreign companies a platform to showcase their products and services, foster valuable business relationships, launch innovative offerings, and stay at the forefront of emerging trends. The event brings together a diverse array of businesses representing various sectors, government agencies, embassies, financial institutions, and other key stakeholders. Attendees can participate in conferences, information sessions, panel discussions, as well as engage in B2B and B2C interactions. With each edition revolving around a theme, the latest fair focused on creating an export-ready market through SME digitization. In 2022, the AITF boasted 500 exhibitors, including 25 international booths, and attracted an impressive footfall of 100,000 visitors. Looking ahead, the forthcoming edition, scheduled for September 28 to October 9, 2023, will delve into the realms of sustainable financing and taxation.

The revenue model of the AITF encompasses multiple sources of income. Exhibition fees for indoor and outdoor spaces, available at varying rates for different types of exhibitors such as business members and non-members, fintech companies, government agencies, embassies, and food vendors, constitute a significant portion. Additionally, the fair secures sponsorships from major partners and small businesses, sells advertising space in the event catalogue and opening ceremony, and charges fees for room rentals during conferences and information sessions. As a result, the AITF generates approximately 30% of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s annual income.

In conclusion, the Abuja Chamber’s flagship event, the Abuja International Trade Fair, serves as a catalyst for revenue generation and sustains the organization’s operations. By capitalizing on this remarkable platform, businesses can seize numerous opportunities to promote their offerings, establish fruitful connections, and keep pace with industry advancements. The fair’s multi-pronged revenue model ensures financial stability, while the Chamber’s commitment to supporting economic growth and fostering business excellence further solidifies its role as a key facilitator in Nigeria’s business landscape.

To obtain further information, please reach out to Victoria Akai, the Director General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, via email at victoria@accinigeria.com.

About the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Established in 1986, the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry primarily aims to foster economic and industrial development within the Federal Capital Territory and Nigeria as a whole. The Chamber is dedicated to promoting business, commerce, and public welfare in the Federal Capital Territory, while ensuring that its members adhere to the rule of law and adopt best commercial practices in all aspects of their businesses. Serving as a central hub of business information, support, training, guidance, and dispute resolution, the Abuja Chamber strives to attract investments through effective networking and proactive business strategies. By working in collaboration with the legislative and executive arms of the government, the Chamber delivers impactful initiatives and provides value-added services to its members.

For more detailed insights into the Abuja Chamber, kindly visit the website https://accinigeria.com/.


Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations

Igniting Sustainability and Revenue Generation through Global Trade Opportunities

The Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations has established itself as a key player in strengthening the private sector and facilitating trade and investment. Acting as a crucial link between the government and the private sector, the Chamber employs various strategies to accomplish its goals, with international trade fairs being a prominent avenue. These trade fairs not only highlight the achievements of members and the wider business community but also serve as a catalyst for revenue generation and sustainability for the organization.

For a quarter of a century, the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations has successfully organized an annual international trade fair, providing a platform for manufacturers and traders from diverse industries to exhibit their products and services. This grand event, known as the Addis Chamber International Trade Fair (ACITF), takes place every February and stands out as the flagship event in the AACCSA portfolio. The most recent edition, held earlier this year, witnessed the participation of exhibitors from seven countries and attracted over 3000 visitors. Prior to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and other recent events in Ethiopia, the fair drew exhibitors from 40 countries and a significantly larger number of visitors. The successful restart of this highly anticipated fair has invigorated the business community. ACITF’s allure stems from its wide range of exhibitors, encompassing businesses of all sizes, and its strategic location in the vibrant city of Addis Ababa.

To sustain its operations, the Chamber relies on a revenue model that incorporates several income streams. These include space rental and registration fees, with discounted rates for members and full rates for non-members. Additionally, sponsorships and advertisements in the ACITF brochure contribute to the Chamber’s financial resources.

To maximize visibility and reach, the AACCSA employs a multi-faceted communication strategy to promote its annual trade fair. This entails mass mailing, newsletters, a weekly program on a local radio station, television coverage, and active engagement on social media platforms. These communication channels allow the Chamber to effectively disseminate information and create awareness among its target audience.

For further information about the AACCSA trade fairs, interested parties are encouraged to contact Shibeshi Bettemariam, the Secretary General, at shibeshiandhissons.plc@gmail.com.

About the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations

Founded in 1947, the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA) holds the distinction of being Ethiopia’s oldest and largest chamber. Comprising over 17,000 member companies, this voluntary-based organization serves as a respected voice for businesses. Its primary objectives include advocating for a conducive business environment, promoting trade and industry, disseminating vital business information, providing consultations to the government and members on economic development and business-related matters, fostering relationships with chambers of commerce in other countries, exchanging information, and facilitating arbitration in case of disputes among businesses.

To obtain more comprehensive information about the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, please visit their official website https://addischamber.com/.


Amhara Women Entrepreneurs’ Association (AWEA)

Boosting Association Revenue and Sustainability Through Bazaars

The Amhara Women Entrepreneurs’ Association (AWEA) has found an innovative way to generate revenue and enhance its sustainability – organizing bazaars. Held annually in Bahir Dar, the capital city, and other cities across the region, these bazaars provide a platform for AWEA members to highlight their new products and services, while also fostering networking opportunities with fellow businesspeople, both members and non-members. With a focus on agribusiness as well as a wide range of other industries such as clothing, electronics, and food production, these bazaars attract a diverse audience.

Typically spanning twelve days, the bazaars draw in more than 120 retailers, and during major holidays, the number can soar to 200. Last year alone, AWEA successfully organized seven trade bazaars in Gondar, Bahir Dar, Kemissie, Debre Birhan, Injibara, Finote Selam, and Debre Markos, attracting over 22,000 visitors.

The AWEA bazaars operate on a well-rounded revenue model, encompassing four income streams. Vendors pay fees to participate, with discounted rates offered to AWEA members, while non-members face slightly higher charges. Tent rentals, sponsorships, and ticket sales also contribute to the revenue. In fact, the bazaars account for a large portion of AWEA’s annual income, providing a reliable source of funds, totaling up to 20%.

To effectively promote these bazaars, AWEA actively engages its local branches and utilizes a variety of marketing tools and channels. Eye-catching banners, informative posters, street marketing campaigns, advertisements on local radio stations, and strategic social media outreach are just a few examples of the association’s comprehensive approach to marketing. By employing these strategies, AWEA ensures maximum visibility and attracts a wider audience, bolstering the success of the bazaars and the association.

For further information about the bazaars or to get involved, interested parties can reach out to Teferi Aderaw, the Executive Director of the Amhara Women Entrepreneurs’ Association, at teferiaderaw1@gmail.com. Teferi and the AWEA team will be more than happy to provide any additional details or address any inquiries regarding the bazaars.

About the Amhara Women Entrepreneurs’ Association

The Amhara Women Entrepreneurs’ Association (AWEA) serves as an umbrella organization for women entrepreneurs in the Amhara Region, working tirelessly to ensure their fair economic participation. Initially founded by sixty businesswomen in 2000, AWEA has now grown to an impressive membership of 120,000 women entrepreneurs in various cities across the region. With 11 branches spread throughout the Amhara region, the association actively supports and empowers women in business.

To learn more about AWEA and its incredible work, please visit its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/p/Amhara-Women-Entrepreneurs-AssociationAWEA-100068667721105/. By championing women’s economic empowerment, AWEA not only fosters the growth of individual businesses but also contributes to the overall development and prosperity of the Amhara Region.


Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI)

Lagos International Fair – Prospectus.pdf Download

Largest Trade Fair in Nigeria Boosts Sustainability of Nigeria’s Oldest Chamber

The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), a prominent private sector organization in Nigeria, has successfully harnessed the power of its international trade fair to generate revenue and enhance its financial sustainability. The Lagos International Trade Fair, which has been organized since 1981 and taken over by LCCI in 1986, has emerged as the largest trade fair in Nigeria. Held annually in November in Lagos, the economic hub of the country, this ten-day event attracts a diverse range of participants from both local and international business communities.

The fair serves as an influential platform for Nigerian and foreign entrepreneurs, diplomatic missions, trade representatives, government agencies, and educational institutions. It brings together manufacturers, suppliers, buyers, and service providers, enabling them to showcase their offerings, explore investment opportunities, and forge meaningful business connections. In addition to the main exhibition, the event features engaging side events such as product launches, demo sessions, and various business-oriented activities. To accommodate families, a dedicated pavilion is provided for children, allowing parents to fully engage in the fair while ensuring their children are entertained and supervised.

Over the years, the Lagos International Trade Fair has witnessed remarkable growth, earning a reputation as the foremost trade and business promotion forum in Nigeria. With a consistent presence of 2,000 to 3,000 exhibitors from over twenty countries across Africa and beyond, and an impressive footfall of over 200,000 visitors, the fair has become a pivotal meeting point for commerce and industry.

The event’s significance extends beyond enhancing the Chamber’s visibility and influence within the business community. It has proven to be an essential revenue stream, contributing significantly to the financial sustainability of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The Chamber capitalizes on various income-generating opportunities associated with the fair, such as exhibition fees, entry tickets, advertisements in the trade fair catalogue, room rentals for side events, and corporate sponsorships. In fact, the international trade fair alone contributes approximately 40% of the Chamber’s annual budget.

To ensure widespread awareness and participation, a comprehensive marketing strategy is implemented for the event. Leveraging diverse communication channels and tools, such as newspapers, flyers, television adverts and interviews, radio shows, branded buses in Lagos, mass mailing, and social media, the Chamber effectively reaches its target audience, both locally and internationally.

In conclusion, the Lagos International Trade Fair stands as a testament to the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s commitment to driving economic growth, facilitating trade, and fostering sustainability. By leveraging this flagship event, the Chamber not only secures vital revenue but also strengthens its role as a key player in Nigeria’s business landscape. As the fair continues to thrive and evolve, it will undoubtedly contribute to the prosperity of the Nigerian economy while positioning the LCCI as a trusted partner for businesses across various sectors.

For more information on the Lagos International Trade Fair, interested parties can directly contact the Director of Trade Promotion at litf@lagoschamber.com and visit the dedicated website, which provides detailed insights and updates.

About Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Founded in 1888, the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry has evolved into a reputable organization with over 4,000 corporate members. These members represent an estimated 60% of the country’s industrial output, 65% of general commerce, and 75% of financial services. As the premier voice of the private sector, the Chamber plays a pivotal role in advocating for policies that impact trade, industry, and agriculture. It acts as a collective representative, articulating the concerns and perspectives of the business community while actively promoting trade and engagement with stakeholders. Through its sustained policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and trade promotion activities, the LCCI has solidified its position as a major supporter of Nigeria’s private sector.

For more information about the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, including its history, activities, and membership details, please visit the official website https://www.lagoschamber.com/, where comprehensive resources are available.


Union Nationale du Patronat Mauritanien (UNPM)

Union Nationale du Patronat Mauritanien Trade Missions Expand Horizons and Boost Union’s Sustainability

UNPM trade mission to Kuwait

Trade missions play a pivotal role in the operations of the Union Nationale du Patronat Mauritanien (UNPM), also known as the National Union of Employers Mauritania. This prestigious association, comprising 15 employers’ federations representing diverse sectors of Mauritania’s economy, has successfully leveraged trade missions to enhance its visibility and sustainability.

The UNPM prides itself on organizing business forums and trade missions to numerous countries worldwide. These initiatives offer a unique opportunity for businesspeople who are members of the federations to explore potential investment avenues and gain valuable insights into foreign markets. Each trade mission typically features informative presentations on investment opportunities in both Mauritania and the host country. Moreover, these missions facilitate crucial face-to-face meetings between business professionals from the two nations, fostering fruitful collaborations.

With an average of two to three trade missions conducted annually, the UNPM ensures that its members benefit from a wide array of international opportunities. Some of the countries that have been included in previous missions are Algeria, France, Kuwait, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Spain, and Turkey, among others. By continuously expanding the scope of these missions, UNPM broadens Mauritanian businesses’ horizons and provides them with a platform to tap into new markets and forge international partnerships.

By harnessing the potential of trade missions, UNPM not only provides valuable opportunities for its members but also contributes significantly to the association’s revenue and long-term sustainability. These missions serve as a gateway for entrepreneurs and investors to explore untapped markets and establish profitable business relationships. Through strategic collaborations and knowledge-sharing, the UNPM strengthens its members’ businesses and facilitates economic growth within Mauritania.

UNPM trade mission to Kuwait

In conclusion, the Union Nationale du Patronat Mauritanien has successfully utilized trade missions to increase its visibility and bolster its sustainability. By organizing international trips and fostering connections between business professionals, the UNPM opens doors to new opportunities for Mauritanian private sector actors. As the association continues to expand its reach, its trade missions remain a cornerstone of its endeavors, driving economic development and strengthening the business landscape of Mauritania.

For detailed information regarding the UNPM trade missions, interested parties can reach out to Mohamed Lemine Dereghly, the Head of the Training and Employment Division at the Union Nationale du Patronat Mauritanien. He can be contacted via email at mini@unpm.mr.

About Union Nationale du Patronat Mauritanien (UNPM)

The Union Nationale du Patronat Mauritanien (UNPM) has a rich history dating back to the 1960s. Since its establishment, the organization has undergone several mergers to form the robust entity it is today. In 2008, it adopted its current name, solidifying its commitment to represent and defend the economic, industrial, and commercial interests of its members. UNPM plays a vital role in contributing to economic development and social inclusion while actively engaging with public authorities, social partners, and donors to promote the private sector.

To learn more about the Union Nationale du Patronat Mauritanien and its myriad of activities, interested individuals can access additional information on their official website http://www.unpm.mr/.


Bahir Dar City Chamber of Commerce

Promoting Local Products for Sustainable Growth

The Bahir Dar City Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association has established itself as a key player in promoting economic growth and sustainability in the Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia. Since 2016, the Chamber has organized the Christmas Eve Trade Fair and Bazaar, a highly anticipated annual event held during the last week of December and the first week of January. This fair serves as a platform for local businesses, financial institutions, and NGOs in the farming sector to exhibit their products, generating revenue and enhancing sustainability for the association.

The Christmas fair offers a diverse range of food and non-food products, including textiles, clothing, leather goods, furniture, and kitchen appliances. Visitors are presented with an extensive selection of items from local manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers. By bringing together multiple sectors, the fair not only supports the local economy but also fosters collaboration among businesses, creating a thriving marketplace.

To ensure the long-term viability of the event, the Bahir Dar Chamber employs several income streams. These include vendor fees, attendance fees for visitors, sponsorships, and the sale of waste generated during the fair. In recognition of the importance of gender equality and women’s empowerment, the Chamber provides a 25% discount on vendor fees for its members and an even greater 30% discount for women entrepreneurs. Last year’s trade fair witnessed an impressive turnout of over 65,000 visitors, featuring more than 120 exhibitors and five corporate sponsors. Additionally, the Chamber prioritizes environmental responsibility by collecting the fair’s waste and selling it to a waste collector for energy production.

The Bahir Dar City Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association implements an effective communication strategy to maximize the fair’s reach. Leveraging its website, social media platforms, and local radio and TV stations, the Chamber ensures broad awareness and participation, attracting visitors from both Bahir Dar and beyond. This strategy allows the fair to become a significant revenue generator for the association while creating a positive impact on the local economy.

For those seeking further information about the Christmas Eve Trade Fair and Bazaar, interested individuals can contact Tadesse Yirdaw, the Secretary General of the Bahir Dar City Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association, at tadessecsa@gmail.com. Tadesse and his team are committed to providing comprehensive information and addressing any inquiries related to the event.

By supporting the Christmas fair and engaging with the Chamber, individuals and businesses can contribute to the growth and sustainability of Bahir Dar’s local economy, while also enjoying a showcase of diverse local products.

About Bahir Dar City Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association

Since its establishment in 1980, the Bahir Dar City Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association has been a stalwart advocate for businesses in the Amhara Regional State. With a membership base exceeding 15,000 companies, the Chamber acts as a credible voice, promoting a conducive business environment and facilitating trade and industry. By disseminating vital business information and acting as a bridge between the government and the private sector, the Chamber plays a vital role in local economic development. Additionally, it offers arbitration services and collaborates with relevant stakeholders to create and maintain a competitive and favorable business environment.

For more information about the Bahir Dar City Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Association and its initiatives, please click here https://www.facebook.com/p/Bahir-Dar-City-Chamber-of-Commerce-Sectoral-Association-100069584148498/.