Defining the Road Ahead
The Mediterranean Halal Industry Forum, held in the framework of MedaWeek Barcelona 2020, aims to raise awareness about Halal Industry by hosting sessions where Halal-related topics in food, tourism, textile, modest fashion and other sectors will be discussed.
This is certainly the best platform to exchange knowledge and best practices in the Halal industry, which is likely to grow between USD 3 trillion and USD 4 trillion in the next five years, from the current estimated USD 2.3 trillion stable growth market. Its main objective is to create trading opportunities for Halal focused Mediterranean and Europe businesses, considering the 57 existing Islamic countries and the importance of Halal business for the global community.
Key Halal sector players and senior government decision-makers will gather at this big event to discuss commercial and business opportunities. It will also serve as a meeting point for companies based in Europe and the Mediterranean region to forge industrial and supply partnerships with businesses in the Islamic countries, as they also offer Mediterranean public institutions and research centres the opportunity to interact with global players in Islamic finance and the wider Islamic economy. Barcelona is keen to attract investments from countries in which Islamic finance plays a decisive role in public policies.
20th November 2019
#NABDF19
Co-organised with:
Programme
9:00 – 9:15
Registration
9:15 – 10:30
Consuls Room
Official Opening of the First Day of MedaWeek Barcelona 2019 and the New Africa Business Development Forum
The 13th edition of the MedaWeek Barcelona (Mediterranean Week of Economic Leaders) will place an imperative role on the latest regional transformations, bringing Regional and European views on the economic implications of the radical political transitions and means for further sustaining European, Mediterranean and African relations.
10:30 – 11:00
Coffee Break
11:00 – 12:30
Consuls Room
Session 1: EU – Northern Africa – Sub-Saharan Africa: a triangulation approach
The EU – Northern Africa – Sub-Saharan Africa trilateral cooperation is part of the wider set on EU-Africa relations and strategic framework joining Europe and Africa. The alliance represents an economic strategy that puts the respective strengths of Europe and Africa through the full implementation of the External Investment Plan (EIP). Consequently, strengthening business cooperation in both the Maghreb and the Mediterranean region as a whole.
The triangulation approach between the EU – Northern Africa – Sub-Saharan Africa consists in identifying an adequate inclusive platform of dialogue with the objective of increasing the level of investment and involvement of the private sector and respective governments through the use of Innovative Financial Instruments, implementing effective credit guarantee schemes for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and support of business climate, among others.
- Explore ways to promote triangular cooperation, to boost investment, attract further Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), support education and skills development for employability, as well as boost trade and improve the business climate.
- Deliberate the key strands of actions for a stronger economic agenda for the EU and its African partners.
- Policy Recommendations to maintain the existing programmers and mechanisms to address the continental dimension and support triangular cooperation between the EU – Northern Africa – Sub-Saharan Africa.
12:30 – 14:00
Consuls Room
Session 2: The Dynamism of African Economies and instruments for business development and investment in the continent
With annual growth rates sometimes exceeding 5%, most African countries have experienced sustained economic growth over the last 15 years, especially Nigeria as the leading economic power in Africa. This caused a wave of optimism about the prospects of finally seeing the region taking serious measures to tackle poverty and underdevelopment.
Nowadays, the overall growth is expected to continue but at a more modest pace. In this evolving context, it is important to pay attention to growth drivers to identify those that are likely to support its continuation. Sub-Saharan Africa remains unable to join the ranks of developing countries that base their growth on the export of competitive manufactured goods.
The improvement of the macroeconomic climate, as the decline in the number of conflicts and the improvement of political and economic governance have undoubtedly been the essential drivers of this growth. Nevertheless, levels of diversification and sophistication in the economy remain low in most African countries.
In this context, Business development, strong intra-African trade, Participation in global value chains and industrialisation are fundamental to create a sufficient number of jobs, given the rapid population growth in Africa.
- Identifying the main challenges and instruments for business development and investment in Africa.
- Exploring business opportunities in the new Africa continental free trade area (AfCFTA).
- Discussing the impact of the Digital revolution on the inclusive growth and job creation across Africa.
- Boosting Renewable Energies and Green Business Development in Africa.
14:00 – 15:00
Lunch Break & Networking
15:00 – 16:30
Consuls Room
Session 3: Digital Economy in Africa
In Africa and in the Mediterranean, digital economy can help build private-public partnerships and create a new dialogue to deal with some of the region’s most pervasive problems: from reducing poverty and improving education, to delivering healthcare and eradicating diseases, addressing sustainability challenges and from meeting the growing demand for food taking under consideration the fast-growing population to advancing inclusion in societies.
Home to 1.2 billion people and home to the world’s youngest population, the African continent is ready for a digital transformation. To become tomorrow’s innovators, entrepreneurs and leaders, the African population and governments need effective digital means to access technology and markets. Businesses need to embrace the latest digital models to connect with their customers. By 2021, internet connectivity should be doubled.
By 2030, every person, business and government in Africa should be digitally enabled. In other terms, Africa should have a digital structure, digital platforms, a digitally skilled population, access to digital financial services and should contribute to the boost of investments and digital entrepreneurship (artificial intelligence, automation). The whole potential of the African nation relies on both women and men. Governments, by driving better policy and decision-making, along with the private sector, have the key to unlocking this potential.
- How to understand local issues and challenges for digitalisation?
- Beyond obstacles, are new economic models emerging?
- Industry 4.0 in Africa: how to implement digitalization of business processes and smart manufacturing?
- Financing: which are the innovative solutions to support transformations?
- How can a Mediterranean and international company succeed in Africa?
- How can digital technology be a lever for development?
- How will Artificial Intelligence affect the core sectors of Africa & the Mediterranean region?
European Regional Development Fund A way to make Europe