Source Africa 2014: Photo Essay of the Pan

July 2014
Source Africa 2014: Photo Essay of the Pan-African Textiles & Apparel Trade Event
By Trade Hub Communications
Source Africa 2014 took place June 18-20 in Cape Town,
South Africa, supported by USAID’s Southern Africa Trade
Hub and valued partners LTE, AAFA and ACTIF. The panAfrican Textiles & Apparel trade show drew 1,185 visitors—up
25% from last year’s inaugural event.
Consul General Erica Barks-Ruggles from the US consulate in
Cape Town spoke at Source Africa’s plenary session, noting
that the African Growth and Opportunity Act has created well
over 100,000 jobs in South Africa alone since its inception, of
which the US government is very proud.
The Source Africa 2014 trade show welcomed 214 exhibitors
from 18 countries including South Africa, Mauritius, Egypt,
Madagascar, Botswana, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ethiopia,
Tanzania, Lesotho, Swaziland, Uganda, Kenya, Zimbabwe,
Zambia and Cote D’Ivoire and saw brisk foot traffic on both
days of the exhibition.
Molefi Setaka from Stevey Tailor, Lesotho, was a first-time
exhibitor at Source Africa who benefited from the support of
the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) to
attend the show, network at the events and display quality
products to buyers from around the world.
PO Box 602090, Tholo House, Plot 50668, Fairgrounds, Gaborone, Botswana, Phone: (+267) 3900884, [email protected]
The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United
States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.
Kaise Gubula (far left), fashion designer and founder of Kaise
Fabrics and Designs, stands next to one of her designs. She is
one of the new, young ambitious designers from the Eastern
Cape looking to increase the profile of her collection.
A major theme of Source Africa 2014 was the importance of
the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and how
clothing manufacturers can use the trade preference program
to their advantage. Sportswear is especially competitive for
AGOA-eligible countries to export to the U.S. since synthetic
garments generally have a high tariff otherwise.
In addition to apparel, footwear suppliers made a strong
showing at the event. With normal duty rates to the United
States of up to 35% on shoes, footwear exports are a product
with which AGOA gives African companies an edge to excel.
The textile and apparel industry is one of the most accessible
manufacturing industries and has historically been the
cornerstone of industrial development for developing countries.
The clothing sector in particular has generated thousands of
jobs in the Southern Africa region, 80% of which go to women.
Uniforms are another item with which companies can take
strategic advantage of AGOA due to their high synthetic
content.
Source Africa 2014 used a sophisticated business-to-business
matchmaking system to connect suppliers with the buyers
most likely to be interested in their product. Early lead
generation results are already clocking in over USD $1 million,
even though most sales will only be finalized in the months to
come.
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At a cocktail reception on the first evening of the show, attendees
had the opportunity to network with a wide variety of industry
leaders, buyers and experts.
Sascha Breuss, Managing Director and CEO of Zando, South
Africa’s largest online shopping retailer, gives a presentation
during Wednesday’s “Navigating Policies for African Trade”
session on challenges his company has overcome in different
parts of the continent to successfully build their business.
In addition to the trade show, four business seminars on topics
related to the textiles and apparel industry in Africa played for a
packed house. Here keynote speaker Gail Strickler of the United
States Trade Representative sits on a panel with Steve Lamar of
AAFA, Mohamed Kassem of the Egyptian Ministry of Trade and
Industry, Abisha Tembo of IDD and Jas Bedi of ACTIF.
The audience was very engaged in Source Africa’s panel
sessions and took advantage of the opportunity to ask the
experts questions on a wide variety of topics ranging from
government policy to best shipping ports to competing on
orders with Asia.
With enthusiastic participation in the panel sessions, key industry
leaders sharing their expertise, a busy trade show floor and
networking opportunities throughout the three days of the show,
Source Africa 2014 turned out to be a success on all counts.
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The Experts Weigh In: Source Africa 2014 Plenary Session
By Sara Sullivan, Head of Communications
The Source Africa 2014 Trade Show in Cape Town on June 18-20 was accompanied by a series of wellattended business seminars and panel sessions with key industry figures. At the plenary session, Erica
Barks-Ruggles, the Consul General for the United States in Cape Town, introduced Assistant US Trade
Representative for Textiles Gail Strickler, who gave the keynote address discussing the opportunities for
apparel manufacturers in AGOA beneficiary countries. Ms. Strickler spoke of the tariff savings a US
importer can realize by sourcing in Africa and the need to meet certain standards to secure business from
US importers and brands. Abisha Tembo, Chief Director, Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather (IDD)
from South Africa’s Department of Trade and Industry also addressed the session, discussing the South
African government's industrial policy action plan for regional development and innovative ways to increase
the region's share of the textiles and apparel market.
Source Africa's four business seminars over three days focused on the themes of sourcing requirements for
the US market, navigating policies for African trade and intra-African trade, AGOA and other free market
agreement policies affecting Africa, and the challenges that African countries are addressing to attract
foreign direct investment.
In Abisha Tembo’s address, the Chief Director for
Clothing, Textile, Footwear and Leather asked a
vital question: how can the sector be more
innovative and bring in products that will increase
the region’s share of the market as an industry? He
also addressed the problem of illegal imports and
how his office is working with governments and
industry to combat the issue. Mr. Tembo described
an Industrial Policy Action Plan designed to
promote regional development and manufacturing,
as transshipment alone does not grow employment.
Mr. Tembo also introduced the idea of National
Clusters and how they can benefit development by
bringing in technology to be shared across the industry and confronting issues affecting the sector,
specifically mentioning the National Fashion Council, National Leather & Footwear Council, and the Textile
& Cotton Sustainable Clothing Cluster.
In his address Mr. Tembo emphasized the importance of coordinating with the private sector and made the
role of government clear: “As government, we don’t provide employment. We facilitate an environment
conducive for industry to create decent and sustainable jobs.” He also mentioned that some of the brightest
brains are now coming into the textiles and apparel industry in Southern Africa and ended with a note of
hopefulness on the opportunities in the sector.
After Mr. Tembo’s speech, the Consul General for the United States in Cape Town, Erica Barks-Ruggles,
addressed the attendees, welcoming them to Cape Town and mentioning the benefits of AGOA before
introducing the session’s keynote speaker. Noting that AGOA emphasizes mutual benefit through trade and
free markets, Ms. Barks-Ruggles observed that the trade preferences program has “created well over
100,000 jobs, and the US government is very proud of that.”
In her keynote address to the session, Assistant US Trade Representative for Textiles Gail Strickler
reiterated that the Obama Administration is committed to a seamless renewal of the African Growth and
Opportunity Act (AGOA), which is currently set to expire on September 30, 2015. “AGOA 2.0,” as she called
it, will form part of the discussion during the upcoming U.S-Africa Leaders’ Summit that will take place in
August in Washington DC and run concurrently with the 13th AGOA Forum. She noted that the US
government has the opportunity, in the lead-up to the summit, to define the elements of a renewal package
that will effectuate the Administration’s commitment while taking into account the lessons of the last 14
years of administering the program and changes in the global trading system over that time.
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Exports from Africa to the U.S. under AGOA have
grown by 500%, from $8.15 billion in 2001 to $53.8
billion in 2011, of which the Textile and Apparel
Industry amounted to almost $1 billion. Despite this
remarkable growth, the current African share of the
US market amounts to only 1%, meaning that there is
ample opportunity for African manufacturers to
increase their exports to the United States.
The latest findings of the United States International
Trade Commission (2014) suggest that AGOA’s
impact on foreign direct investment has been
strongest in the apparel and footwear industry. The
program’s trade benefits and eligibility criteria appear
to have motivated AGOA beneficiary countries to improve their business and investment climates.
Ms. Strickler emphasized the strategic advantage AGOA offers to African companies trading with the United
States and discussed specific, concrete ways suppliers can maximize those benefits. As she noted, “With
duties as high as 32%, apparel importers want your products, and you are learning to satisfy their
demands.” Ms. Strickler also raised the issue of Corporate Social Responsibility as an increasingly
important factor for international buyers and consumers: a significant point since Africa offers the
opportunity for American buyers to feel confident about workers’ rights and environmentally-friendly work
practices.
In her speech Ms. Strickler spent some time discussing the importance of the textiles and apparel industry
as a catalyst for industry globally and a sector with a multiplier effect that changes the livelihoods of the
community around it. She spoke both in her capacity as a trade expert but also drew on personal
experience: explaining that her own grandmother, orphaned at 16, found employment and betterment for
herself and her siblings by working in an apparel factory in New York in the last century. “There are 300,000
garment workers employed in factories that utilize AGOA,” she continued on to say. “A job is not merely the
extraction of labor, and our ultimate goal is that these jobs created through AGOA would be increasingly
productive, skill-building and sustainable, becoming a channel through which more entrepreneurs, ideas
and technology are birthed.”
Ms. Strickler stated that the goal of the U.S. government is to make AGOA’s impact lasting: not just to
encourage African companies to trade with the United States but to build institutional and trade capacity so
that African goods can be sent around the world. The AUSTR concluded her talk with a look to the future:
“We envision a program that helps to diversify not only the types of products that sub-Saharan Africa
exports but also the markets it targets…I believe we will see the skills and wages of workers rise, that we
will see the export of high quality, diverse products out of Africa, and that those changes—just like a single
factory—will have a multiplying effect for all of Africa.”
Getting Deals Done: A Packed Trade Show Floor at Source Africa 2014
By Sara Sullivan, Head of Communications and Thapelo Manale, Communications Coordinator
Source Africa 2014 offered a whirl of activity over three days and presented multiple opportunities for its
guests to network, learn, and engage: including expert panel sessions, a cocktail reception, a lively fashion
show hosted by Enterprise Mauritius and speeches by leading industry figures and government officials.
Against the backdrop of these exciting events, the real business of Source Africa 2014 took place on the
trade show floor where 214 exhibitors displayed products ranging from evening gowns to baby clothes,
uniforms to leather handbags, parachutes to fancy dress pumps so that buyers from around the world could
sample the best textiles, apparel and footwear Africa has to offer in one convenient location in beautiful
Cape Town.
USAID’s Southern Africa Trade Hub supported a cutting-edge online matchmaking system implemented by
Outsmart Marketing that created customized match-ups between buyers and suppliers. These meetings
were carefully tailored based on industry questionnaires and valuable pre-show input to maximize efficiency
and ensure that the right potential partners were brought together during the event. In total, 395 meetings
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were arranged, and early lead results from Source Africa 2014 have already been reported at over US$1
million even though the majority of sales will take a few months to finalize.
Suppliers from 18 countries exhibited at Source Africa,
including Gelvenor Textiles, a South African company that
produces technical fabrics for military and defense purposes,
medical and government services, corporations and schools.
Here Anton Poplett, Development Manager at Gelvenor,
describes the benefit of Source Africa 2014 and how the trade
show makes it “convenient and easier to buy a quality
reliable product [regionally] instead of importing from China.”
Anton Poplett
Business Development Specialist, Gelvenor Textiles
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kxhX5cFFgOo
Source Africa exhibitors were arranged on the trade show
floor in “country pavilions,” increasing their visibility and
benefitting from strength in numbers. Various investment
promotion agencies spearheaded this effort, including the
Lesotho National Development Corporation, which
supported 16 companies from the flourishing textiles and
apparel sector in Lesotho to attend the event. Here
Mokhethi Shelile, Head of Investment Promotion from
LNDC, explains the purpose of the organization and why
attending Source Africa is such a good strategy for
companies looking to build exposure.
Mokhethi Shelile
Head of Investment Promotion, LNDC
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I_ptnywITQo
Jeremy Youmens, the Chairman of the Zimbabwe
Clothing Manufacturers Association, also came to
Source Africa and explained how ZCMA is committed
to growing the clothing industry in Zimbabwe back to
its full height. The Zimbabwe Pavilion at Source Africa
2014 had six booths showcasing a variety of products.
Watch as Youmens describes how “the interaction
among all the different countries and players has been
fantastic” at the trade show.
Jeremy Youmens
Chairman,
Zimbabwe Clothing Manufactures Association
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zjxt3NjORwk&feature=youtu.be
Source Africa 2014 was also attended by companies looking to support the textiles and apparel industry.
Here Martie Gunter, Brand and Retail Communications Manager from DyStar and Color Solutions
International, describes how CSI helps suppliers match color shades with 100% accuracy and how the
company finds Source Africa of tremendous value for making contacts with brands and retailers, meeting
with new up-and-coming designers, and building upon existing relationships.
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Martie Gunter
Brand and Retail Communications Manager
DyStar and Color Solutions International
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlA1AiJB-u4
With the second annual Source Africa trade show a success, participants are already looking towards next
year’s event to be held in Cape Town in June. Feedback from Source Africa 2014 has been extremely
positive, with retailers contacting the Trade Hub to express their satisfaction with deals made and their
appreciation for a valuable event.
“Source Africa had its best showing yet – the number, variety and caliber of participants
this year was the highest I’ve seen, and it was a pleasure to attend such a well-organised
and professional show. Well done!”
— Cape Union Mart
“If you’re in textile and clothing don’t miss out!”
— Bernstein Clothing Zimbabwe
“Source Africa provides a fundamental insight into the textile, apparel and
footwear industries.” —Twenty 1 South Africa
“SOURCE AFRICA IS SUCH AN EYE OPENER, WILL MAKE IT
PART OF MY DIARY EVERY YEAR!” —Olben Collection, Kenya
“Source Africa gave us a huge opportunity to promote our
Recycled Polyester Fibre, which is mainly made from plastic
bottles. So many visitors and exhibitors were astonished by this
appearance. It was also a great opportunity to network and
meet new people within the industry.” —Propet Fibre
IT WAS THE BEST EXHIBITION I HAVE EVER PARTICIPATED IN,
LOCALLY OR INTERNATIONALLY. —The House of Conee
The Source Africa exhibition is a great platform for small enterprises in
general. It can grow to be one of the biggest shows in Africa where will
see companies gradually grow their businesses and develop the economy
not only of South Africa but other countries as well.” —Ekurhuleni Jewelry
Project
“It was a well-organized show which turned out more sales leads than expected. We will
definitely sign on for next year.” —Leo Garments
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“One can never underestimate the power of networking platforms. If you are in the footwear or
clothing manufacture industry, Source Africa is one of those must-attend events. Not only for
your brand‘s vital visibility but to open yourself to potential strategic partnerships. —Galago
South Africa
The show was extremely organized and a pleasure to be a part of!”
— Eddels Shoes
SOURCE AFRICA 2014 WAS ALL WE EXPECTED AND MORE.
WE HOPE TO BE BACK NEXT YEAR! – Melco
Hub Digest
The Hub Digest offers views from a rotating panel of experts on a wide variety of issues related to trade
and economic growth in Southern Africa, including trade facilitation tools and approaches; agricultural
productivity and improvements especially in the maize, groundnut and soy value chains; developments in
the textiles and apparel sector and regarding AGOA and exports; clean energy; enabling environment
reform and initiatives; environmental compliance and gender integration.
Write to [email protected] with your suggestion for a topic or question. Or start a conversation via our
Facebook Page – www.facebook.com/satradehub.
AGOA Advatages and Opportunities: A Conversation with Gail Strickler, AUSTR
For this month’s Hub Digest, Hub Happenings sat down with the
Assistant United States Trade Representative for textiles and apparel,
Gail Strickler, to discuss textiles and apparel opportunities in Southern
Africa and the benefits of AGOA to African companies looking to export
to the U.S. Ms. Strickler was in Cape Town as the keynote speaker for
Source Africa 2014, the pan-African textiles, apparel and footwear
show supported by USAID’s Southern Africa Trade Hub.
HH: What is your role as the Assistant United States Trade
Representative for textiles and apparel, particularly as it relates to
Africa?
GAIL STRICKLER: Since coming to serve as the AUSTR for textiles
and apparel in the Obama administration nearly five years ago, my objective has been to use whatever
resources, knowledge and opportunity I can to promote the growth and expand the use of the African
Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). I hope to explain its benefits and encourage its opportunities to help
create a sustainable textile and apparel industry here in Africa. As the chief negotiator for textiles and
apparel for the US Trade Representative, I have been inspired by how the industry has grown and
continues to thrive despite great shifts in the world trading system: how it is evolving to make more
complex and higher-valued products.
HH: It was an honor to have you attend Source Africa 2014 and address key industry leaders and
companies that attended. What in your view are the benefits of a show like this?
GAIL STRICKLER: Source Africa is a globally significant textile and apparel event that showcases the
productive capacity, energy and strength of this diverse continent. Trade shows like Source Africa are
critical for creating connections between local entrepreneurs and foreign markets. Now we need to work
together to expand the reach, integration and opportunity for the designers, manufacturers and workers
that are this industry here in Africa.
HH: How have African apparel manufacturers taken advantage of AGOA thus far?
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GAIL STRICKLER: AGOA has been instrumental in attracting investment, creating jobs and elevating how
business is done in Africa. AGOA members export 34% of their apparel exports to the U.S., and AGOA’s
preference for textiles and apparel boasts one of the highest utilization rates across US preference
programs. LDCs, or LDBCs (Lesser Developed Beneficiary Countries) as they are known in the context of
AGOA, enjoy even more advantage under the program.
HH: When African textiles and apparel suppliers are looking to break into the US market, what should they
consider?
GAIL STRICKLER: First, do what you do well. The US market is very demanding, and very large. The
United States consumes 25% of the word’s apparel, and buyers are always trying to find new opportunities
for sourcing, especially in places that allow them to import duty free, like AGOA countries. US consumers
are used to a very high standard in terms of quality and specifications, so make sure you are proficient and
efficient at making your products. Look for the best opportunities for duty savings. In other words, look at
those products that have the highest tariffs for imports into the US market. Understand how to navigate
the HTS (harmonized tariff system) code. HTS is the system under the World Customs Organization that
classifies any item imported under the global trading system and lists the duty rate for import into that
country. Duty rates on apparel in the U.S. range from 0 to 32% and up to 35% on footwear: these are
among the highest duty rates for any product imported into the United States. The reason that footwear
and apparel offer such incredible opportunities for AGOA-eligible countries is because these countries can
offer American buyers the chance to save up to 35% when buying a product from them versus another
country like China. Of course, we believe the key to regional integration is through African exporters being
able to create connections with not only US companies but through working with each other to develop a
regional supply chain and to take advantage of Africa’s natural and human resources.
HH: Do the garments have to come from raw materials produced in that country in order for the LDBC to
take advantage of AGOA?
GAIL STRICKLER: Actually the LDBCs may use third party yarns and fabrics, meaning the yarns and/or
textiles used to manufacture the garments may come from anywhere in the world as long as the goods are
cut and knit to shape and assembled in an LDBC. LDBCs may also export their products from any port in
Africa: they don’t have to ship directly from their own country to the U.S.
HH: What is the best way for African suppliers to take full advantage of the AGOA preferences?
GAIL STRICKLER: The best opportunity to offer meaningful benefits to US buyers is on those products
that have the highest duty rates. Among those products are knit and woven garments that are syntheticrich, meaning they contain more than 50% synthetic fiber. So for example: 65/35 poly/cotton fabric is a
very common blend used in uniforms. These products can receive as much as a 28.2% lower entry cost
into the United States than other MFN (Most Favored Nation) countries. There are also high tariffs on
synthetic knit garments like those popular for sports and workout clothes, running gear and similar
applications. These are items on which AGOA countries can exercise a tremendous advantage.
HH: What is the easiest way to find out the specific HTS codes?
GAIL STRICKLER: A full listing of HTS codes is available online at http://usitc.gov/tata/hts/index.htm. All
knit garments are found in Chapter 61 and all woven garments are found in Chapter 62. Some “made-ups”
which include bedding, home furnishings, headwear and accessories can be found in Chapters 63 and 64.
HH: Why are US buyers these days more interested in sourcing from Africa?
GAIL STRICKLER: The duty-free advantages into the United States are a huge positive. Africa also has a
large, able workforce and a good environmental record overall, something that is becoming increasingly
important to US companies. African textile and apparel suppliers can take advantage of USAID assistance
to enter the US market, as well as logistics help. Importers are always looking to expand their sourcing
base especially when they can do so duty free.
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HH: What are some of the challenges for US buyers in sourcing from Africa?
GAIL STRICKLER: One issue is longer delivery times, which can be compounded by additional lead times
required if fabric has to be imported first. African is less well-known to US buyers, although that is
changing. Ensuring consistent energy supply in their factories will also be important for African companies
looking to do business with the U.S. To mitigate longer delivery times, companies can make products with
longer lead times such as school and work uniforms, and baby and children’s clothing. These items do not
experience rapid trend change-over so buyers can place orders further in advance.
HH: Why is the textiles and apparel sector such an important industry around the world and how do tariff
advantages help?
GAIL STRICKLER: The impact of a single line of a tariff on producers is significant: a five percent
decrease in tariffs can mean the difference between a factory receiving or losing an order. In turn, orders
translate to jobs, and jobs to putting food on the table. In the garment industry, at the end of the day, the
bottom line is providing dignified work for those seeking employment. We want to broaden our idea of
growth, to seek the kind of growth that encompasses not only blunt measures of increased GDP but also
the ability of a mother to put her children through school and to feel empowered to speak up in the
workplace.
Gail W. Strickler, AUSTR for Textiles and Apparel, joined the USTR after almost 30 years in the
textile and apparel industry. Ms. Strickler is responsible for supervising negotiations affecting
textile and apparel products, advising the USTR on textile and apparel trade policy matters and
working to expand the industry's access to foreign markets.
In the past she served as President and CEO of Saxon Textile Corp and as Vice President of the
Global Apparel Division of Duro Textile LLC. Ms. Strickler also oversaw textile research and
development programs for The Institute for Textile and Apparel Product Safety, and developed
sustainability and environmental strategy programs for brands and retailers.
Ms. Strickler served as president of the Textiles Distributors Association for five years and has
served on the board of directors of the National Council of Textile Organizations, the USDA Cotton
Board, and the Fashion Institute of Technology's Education Foundation.
Our People
Each month we will introduce you to a member of our USAID Southern Africa Trade Hub staff:
Nthapeleng Shai, Logistics Specialist
Nthapeleng Shai has been a Logistics Specialist with USAID’s Southern Africa
Trade Hub since 2012 and has over 20 years’ experience in office
administration, starting her career working at Mosienyane and Partners
Chartered Architects in Gaborone. Since that time she has had a full and varied
career history, moving to the People’s Republic of China to work for the
government of Lesotho as an Administrative Attaché and then relocating to
Botswana to work in international organizations such as GRM (an Australian
Company at the Botswana Meat Commission). Prior to joining the Trade Hub,
Nthapeleng joined the African Union-Interafrican Bureau for Animal Health and
held the position of Office Manager in the project that was attached to the
Ministry of Agriculture. She holds a Diploma in Secretarial and Administrative
studies from the Cathedral College and Computer Training Centre in Nairobi, Kenya.
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What is the most interesting part of your job at the Trade Hub? The most interesting part of my job is
to interact with the outside world, meeting different people from a variety of industries. As a logistics officer
I do a lot of networking.
This jobs brings you in contact with people from around the world – what do you enjoy most about
meeting people from different countries and cultures? It is exciting to learn more about the different
cultural backgrounds of all the various Trade Hub staff and to be a part of their immersion into Botswana’s
culture.
What is your proudest achievement in your career so far? Coming to work every day with the aim to
help make travel as stress-free as possible for all of our Trade Hub staff.
If you could choose any other profession/job, what would it be? I love travelling, cooking and
volunteering in community development programs, but if I had to pick one alternate career I would love to
be a diplomat, traveling the world as a VIP and enjoying all the adventure that entails.
What is the first place in the city that you would tell newcomers to Gaborone to visit, and why? I
would highly recommend the National Museum and Art Gallery to gain an appreciation of Botswana’s
history and its cultural diversity.
Which famous person most inspires your work and life? I am very impressed by Oprah Winfrey. Her
vision of inspiring others is commendable, and I appreciate her special interest in creating opportunities
that enable underserved women to rise to their potential.
Which country in Africa would you most like to visit, and why? I would have to say Mozambique.
There is plenty to see there, including stunning beaches and islands: a World Heritage site.
Ogaufi Kgengwenyane, Driver
Before coming to the Trade Hub in April 2012, Ogaufi Kgengwenyane worked as
a driver for UNICEF Botswana and for ICL, a company that repairs electronics in
different government departments. He went to Borobadilepe Primary School and
Iphutheng CJSS, both in Barolong Farms in the Southern District of Botswana.
Ogaufi is married with two sons, and he also enjoys going to his farm where he
keeps cattle, goats and sheep. His hobby is breeding greyhound dogs, and he
hopes to enter a national competition for breeders of greyhounds in the future.
What is the most interesting part of your job at the Trade Hub? In my job as
a driver for the project I have the opportunity to meet new people visiting from
different parts of the world who trust me with their lives. I find that an interesting
part of my job.
Your job brings you in contact with people from around the world – what do you enjoy most about
meeting people from different countries and cultures? I have learned that even though we come from
different parts of the world and different cultures: that does not prevent us from working together effectively
and productively.
What is the proudest achievement in your career so far? Ever since I started working I have not
encountered any disputes, and my colleagues are happy with the job that I am doing.
If you could choose any other profession/job, what would it be? A professional farmer.
What is the first place in the city that you would tell newcomers to Gaborone to visit, and why? The
Gaborone Game Reserve is a good choice because the visitor would have the chance to see a sampling of
the animals that can be found in the southern Africa region in a place where they are kept and protected by
the government.
Which famous person most inspires your work and life? President Sir Seretse Khama Ian Khama
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because he takes times to visit people where they live to get a better picture and understanding of their
lives unlike others who say they can change people’s lives yet don’t know the first thing about them or how
they can truly be helped.
Which country in the world would you most like to visit, and why? I would have to say England, due
to our former colonial relationship with that country. I would like to learn more about their culture first-hand
since they have been a significant influence in our country to date.
Upcoming Events
Renewable Energy Feed-In Awareness Workshop | 10-11 July | Lusaka, Zambia
13th AGOA Forum 2014 | 2-6 August, 2014 | Washington DC
This year the AGOA Forum will take place concurrent with the U.S.-Africa Leaders’ Summit. It is expected
to be a defining Forum in discussing AGOA renewal and the nature of the anticipated AGOA 2.0. As
always, there will be private sector, civil society and African Women's Entrepreneurship Program (AWEP)
participation.
Awareness Seminar and Launch of the WTO Technical Barrier to Trade Enquiry Point and
Notification Authority | August 2014 | Lesotho and Malawi
Clothing Indaba | 26 September, 2014 | Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Bulawayo Clothing Indaba, organized by the Zimbabwe Clothing Manufacturers Association (ZCMA) will be
held in Zimbabwe’s second capital, Bulawayo
Origin Africa | 10-12 November, 2014 | Hotel InterContinental, Nairobi, Kenya
Origin Africa, organized by the African Cotton & Textile Industries Federation (ACTIF) and Trade and Fairs
East Africa Ltd will take place in Nairobi. Origin Africa is a cotton, textile and clothing trade show focusing
on business, trade and investment.
Source Africa 2015 | 3-5 June, 2015 | CTICC, Cape Town, South Africa
The third annual Source Africa textiles, apparel and footwear trade show (www.sourceafrica.co.za) will
take place from June 3-5, 2015 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), Cape Town,
South Africa.
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