Minister Kocher also sees enormous potential and good opportunities for smaller companies. Austria’s market share in Kenya, a country of 50 million inhabitants, is a paltry 0.10 percent. An African export offensive must now change that. Georg Wailand reports from Kenya and Tanzania.
‘Kenya and Tanzania have high economic growth, but our exports there are low, there is still enormous potential that needs to be exploited.’ Economic Affairs Minister Martin Kocher is optimistic about the Africa mission with many Austrian companies in tow: ‘If we have two countries with 50 to 60 million inhabitants each with only a few million export volumes, then there is a huge untapped market. That is why we have been pushing Africa for a year.” The fundamental interest of Austrian companies in deliveries and projects in Africa is very positive. Small and medium-sized companies from Austria also have good opportunities. They are often unconventional projects that develop successfully.
Would you like some examples? The Münzer company collects leftover cooking oil from the catering industry in Kenya to produce environmentally friendly biodiesel, which is supplied to Europe. Münzer manager Harald Sigl: “We started this years ago in India and are now also active in Bangladesh. But you have to fight through it and everything will be fine.” And it is good for the environment – but also for energy and nutrition…
The hospital project of the company AME in Nairobi is very different: they are in the process of bringing a large department in the Kenyatta National Hospital to international level. The project includes deliveries from Austrian hospital suppliers as well as training, and has been supported by the audit bank.
The innovative provider ICUserver GmbH sees good opportunities for its wildlife observation cameras, which are attracting interest in the tourist country.
Austria acquired a good social reputation in Kenya: with the ‘Akakoro’ project, the former Helmut Köglberger Football Academy. In the slums of Nairobi, 150 children can not only play sports, but also go to a good school. A major sponsor has now made it possible to launch this initiative on a larger scale at another location in Kenya. Comment in the new brochure: “Helmut Köglberger (former LASK player) would be proud to see what has become of the little oasis of hope he founded.” Politically, a stronger Austrian commitment is desirable. Minister Kocher was received by the president in Kenya and held intensive negotiations with many ministers.
Special collaborations can arise in the labor market. Kenya and Tanzania have some well-educated youth, but poor job prospects. Out of a population of more than 50 million people, only 17.8 million people are said to be employed. Martin Kocher in his role as Minister of Labour: “We could really need well-educated young people, especially in shortage professions such as chefs, but also in IT. The improved red-white-red card helps.”
For example, Austria’s market share in Kenya totals 0.10 percent. There is still a lot of potential…
Source: Krone
I’m Ben Stock, a journalist and author at Today Times Live. I specialize in economic news and have been working in the news industry for over five years. My experience spans from local journalism to international business reporting. In my career I’ve had the opportunity to interview some of the world’s leading economists and financial experts, giving me an insight into global trends that is unique among journalists.
