“Find the right formula to force preferential access to the market, crush competition and convince our visitors that there is good business to do hours from their homes”. This was the appeal of the president of Enterprise Mauritius, Amédée Darga, when the Mauritius for Africa Fair was launched at Swami Vivekananda Centre in Pailles. The best Mauritian manufacturers were present to convince their 300 guests and potential purchasers that the label “Made in Mauritius” is synonymous with high quality and professionalism.

This fair, held from last Thursday to Sunday, aimed at getting African countries to network with Mauritian know-how to facilitate business between Mauritius and the African region. Before officially opening the fair, the minister of Trade, Rajesh Jeetah, reminded his listeners that Mauritius imported the equivalent of Rs 11 billion from Africa while exporting goods to a value of only Rs 3.2 billion there last year. Hence, there was a need to reach a more balanced situation and show Africans how worthwhile our products were. The more so as we are members of the Comesa and the SADC, which grant us preferential access.

Instead of continuing to rely on traditional markets for our exports, it is high time to look for other markets – much closer to us. Mauritian manufacturers have understood the message: 161 exhibitors from various sectors of the economy - textile, clothing, footwear, food and beverages, IT products and services, plastic and allied products, chemicals, cosmetics, printing and publishing, paper products and services - were present at the fair trying to convince our African visitors that the quality of our products is as good as - or superior to - those of other countries.

Many companies aim at increasing their production within the next few years. But they will of course need to sell. And with a market representing about 400 million people, they have reasons for showing interest in Africa…