Hellenic-African Chamber: Participation in the 7th EU-AFRICA FORUM

In the context of our country’s participation in the EU-Africa Business Forum (European Union-Africa Business Forum / EABF22, 14-18.02.2022), the online workshop on: Women agri-food businesses in Africa and Europe: benefits to the economy and sustainable development through the promotion of geographical indications as best practices” took place today. The Hellenic-African Chamber participated as an organizer in collaboration with the National Chamber Network of Greek Women Entrepreneurs (EEDEGE), and the Hellenic-Kenyan Chamber.

In his greeting, Mr. Sotiris Mousouris, President of the Hellenic-African Chamber, stated that the exchange of information and cooperation between women from Africa and Greece who produce agricultural products with a geographical indication should be on the agenda of the Hellenic-African Chamber, which was founded 23 years ago, and has over 200 members, in order to promote trade and investment activities in the great neighboring continent where for many decades Greeks live and work alongside Africans. He spoke briefly about the Chamber’s activities, noting that as a member of EBCAM, it participates in shaping European private sector positions on business relations with Africa.

Indication of agricultural products

He stressed that the geographical indication of agricultural products, which doubles their value, contributes to the sustainable development of the countryside, food security and, above all, the employment of women. In Africa in particular, the role of women in promoting products with a geographical indication is important due to traditional practices and the large pool of traditional products. Education, marketing financing and an enlarged market promised by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) are factors success.

In closing, he said that as he participated, almost 50 years ago, in the preparation of an ambitious UN plan for a West African Common Market, he had since estimated the benefits the 14 African countries would have in an enlarged market if the plan had been implemented then.

But the regional associations that have been promoted in Africa in recent years are an auspicious development.

The speakers were also Ms. Sofia Kounenaki, President of the National Network of Women Entrepreneurs of Greece, Ms. Josephine Francis, President, Farmers Union Network of Liberia, Vice President, ROPPA, West African Farmers Organization for ECOWAS, Ms. Vicky Pantazopoulou, Honorary Consul of Kenya in Greece, Mr. Gregor Schneider, Deputy Team Leader of the AfrIPI project Actions for identification, establishment and protection of GIs in Africa, Ms. Nikoleta Kyriakidi, export Manager of KOLIOS SA GREEK DAIRY, Ms. Maimouna Sambou, President of the Association for the Protection and Promotion of the GI of “Madd de Casamance”, Senegal, Ms. Vasiliki Karoumbali, Export Manager, AENAON SA, Ms. Eleni Kyrou, Head of Representation to Ethiopia and the African Union, European Investment Bank, and Ms. Athena Hadjipetrou, CEO and President, Hellenic Development Bank.