Sweden Aims To Double Exports To Ghana And Africa By 2015

The welfare of Sweden is built upon an extensive international trade. Our market today is not just in Europe but globally. According tp a press release from the SWEDISH embassy in Abuja Sweden want to further strengthen its competiveness and broaden its field of “export products”.

Sweden used to be famous for its high-tech products such as industrial tools, cars and lorries, communication systems, packaging systems, etc. Today we see, in addition, a growing export in services such as knowledge products – lean health care, green technologies and creative products – music, design, culinary experiences, etc. Our economy is strong and solid and we are pleased having been nominated as the most innovative country in the EU.

With a strong economy comes responsibilities and visions for the future. The Swedish Minister for (free) trade, dr. Ewa Björling, launched a vision in 2010 to double the Swedish Export until 2015. Quite a challenge! However, with joint efforts, this could be within reach in a number of African countries. The minister’s aim with the vision is to encourage all stakeholders (governmental bodies, companies, etc.) to work more intensively on both new and old markets.

Trade is closely connected to growth in many areas. In Africa, Corporate Social responsibility plays a significant role for companies. The need for investment in education and training goes hand in hand with successful business. The possibility to invest from the very start in green technologies and sustainable solution could give Africa an advantage over other markets.

A good example is that while Africa is lacking behind in most areas, 40 percent of the population has access to a mobile phone compared to South Asia were it is “only” 33 percent. Despite its richness of raw material and human resources there is still a huge demand for more Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Africa. Statistics from UNCTAD shows that FDI on average has given a return on investment of 29 percent since 1990. This is more than any other continent.

There will be more focus on Africa in 2012 from the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and from the Swedish Trade Council. In the beginning of the year the Trade Minister will visit Uganda, Tanzania and Mozambique. In April the Trade Council will launch its new Strategy for Africa. In autumn a trade delegation under the lead of the State Secretary for Trade is planned for Nigeria. In addition many other promotion activities are on the agenda.