ORIGIN AFRICA SERIES OF SEMINARS |
DAY 1: 21ST OCT 2015 |
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14.00 – 16:00 |
SEMINAR 1A: Expanding the foundation for Cotton Production in Africa
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According to International Cotton Advisory Committee [ICAC], World cotton area in 2015/16 is projected down 6% to 31.3 million hectares, due largely to lower prices in 2014/15. In the face of the prevailing global cotton dynamics, Africa is still faced with the challenge of improving Cotton Production and Productivity and to ensure that cotton farmers remain motivated to grow cotton. This seminar will serve to highlight various cotton production initiatives being undertaken across the region and their impact in addressing the existing challenges.
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Key target audience – National Cotton Associations / Boards and Public & Private support institutions. |
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Moderator |
Dr. Terry Townsend

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Speakers |
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14.00 – 16:00 |
SEMINAR 1B: Opportunities & Challenges to AGOA Extension – The Next 10 Years |
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Following extensive lobby efforts by ACTIF and other local, regional and international partners, AGOA was finally extended for a further 10 year period, inclusive of 3rd Country fabric provision for the same period. This was passed under the Trade Preferences Extension Act of 2015, H.R. 1295. The bill was signed into law on 29th June 2015 by US President Obama. This seminar will focus on the next 10 Years including: Opportunities; Challenges & the projected impact; |
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Target Audience: Suppliers; Buyers; Investors; Government Agencies; Support Institutions; |
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Moderator |
Lilowtee Rajmun

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Speakers |
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All Seminars will take place between 8.00 am and 12.30 pm on each day except on the first day when they will end at 10.30 am ahead of the official opening of the Trade Expo
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DAY 2: 22ND OCTOBER 2015 |
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8:00AM - 10:00AM |
Seminar 2A: Emerging Market Investments Opportunities in Africa? |
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According to ITC reports [2014], FDI in the Textile & Clothing market was estimated to be worth US$ 24 billion in 2013, a 100% increase from 2012. Experts across the globe concur that Africa offers huge opportunities for investment. In addition, global trends such as rising costs and growing domestic consumption in emerging Asia are influencing investors to shop for new destinations with one eye keenly on Africa. How do Indian and African textile & clothing players view the opportunities and the risks in these global trends? This seminar will include insights from existing and potential Indian investors in the textile and clothing Value Chain to understand the factors that influence their decisions to invest in Africa; as well as the African perspective on how south-south investment opportunities could translate into sectoral transformation and development. |
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Target Audience – Investment & Export Promotion Agencies, Support Institutions, Country delegations |
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Moderator |
Wariko Waita

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Speakers |
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8:00AM - 10:00AM |
Seminar 2B: Requirements of European Sourcing Companies from African Manufacturers
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The EU imports Textile & Apparel worth US$ 230 billion [UNCOMTRADE Database, 2014]. However, Africa accounts for only US$ 10 Billion worth of exports to EU, out of which 3 North African Countries: Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt account for 85% of the exports. This seminar will be dedicated towards highlighting the unique aspects and opportunities that African Suppliers need to understand to successfully penetrate the EU market. |
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Target Audience - Suppliers, Buyers, Sourcing Agents, Government agencies and support institutions
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Moderator |
Abi Rushton

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10:30AM - 12:30PM |
Seminar 3A: Competing to Win – Best Practices for a Sustainable African Textile & Apparel Value Chain |
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This seminar will include key note presentations on trends and perspective from major international sourcing companies and industry initiatives around corporate sustainability in the textile and garment sector. This will cover a range of issues including: safe labor standards, sustainable production, communication, branding and community development initiatives for the sector. |
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Target Audience - Suppliers, Buyers, Sourcing Agents, Government agencies and support institutions |
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Moderator |
Clay Hickson

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10:30AM - 12:30PM |
Seminar 3 B: Expanding Opportunities in Contemporary African Fashion, Home & Accessories |
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Worldwide fashion markets are driven by design innovation. Our panelist will sheds light on the opportunities for contemporary African design; illustrating how design can fuel economic changes on the continent. A hub of experimentation, Africa is becoming a driving force for new design inspiration in the twenty‐first century. |
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Key Audience: Fashion designers, Home Textile and Support institutions |
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Moderator |
Llenay Ferretti

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Speakers |
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All Seminars will take place between 8.00 am and 12.30 pm on each day except on the first day when they will end at 10.30 am ahead of the official opening of the Trade Expo
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DAY 3: 23rd October 2015 |
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8:00AM - 10:00AM |
Seminar 4A: Technology & Innovation Seminar
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In the face of the highly competitive Global Textile & Apparel business, keeping up with the latest technologies and innovation is no longer an option. During this seminar, some of the leading technology and innovative solution providers will be on hand to elaborate some of the latest trends that support the growth of Africa’s Textile & Clothing industry.
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Target Audience – Manufacturers, Investors, Support Institutions |
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Moderator |
Jas Bedi

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8:00AM - 10:00AM |
Seminar 4B: Investment Incentives |
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This seminar will include presentations from representatives of selected country delegations present at the Trade Event to highlight what their country has to offer including available incentives for investors targeting the Textile & Apparel Industry |
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Target Audience is Investment Delegations, Support Institutions and Country Delegations |
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Moderator |
John Hargreaves |
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10:30AM - 12:30PM |
Seminar 5A: Financing options and investment opportunities in the CTA sector
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The objective of this seminar will be to showcase investment and financing opportunities that are available to SMEs in the Cotton, Textile & Apparel sectors. It will include an overview of key opportunities and challenges that need to be addressed to unlock financing for the sectors. |
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Target Audience: CTA SMEs, Buyers, Investors, Development Finance Institutions, Banks |
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Moderator |
Kanini Mutooni

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10:30AM - 12:30PM |
Round Table: Marketing African Fashion & Designers in the International Market |
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This will be a high level roundtable discussion that will bring together Government representatives and professional designers [local & international] to deliberate on drivers and barriers in the promotion of African Fashion and designers to the international market. |
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Target Audience: Fashion Designers, suppliers & Support institutions. |
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Moderator |
Lulit Amdemariam
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Speakers |
Hirut Zemene Kasa
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Treasure Thembisile |
Anna Getaneh
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Marina Spadafora |
Aurelia Calabro
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All Seminars will take place between 8.00 am and 12.30 pm on each day except on the first day when they will end at 10.30 am ahead of the official opening of the Trade Expo
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