MARS has successfully organised a Business Delegation visit to Benin and Togo from June 23rd to June 28th, 2024 coinciding with the visit of the Sh. Sevala N. Mude Ji, Additional Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs, India. The mission aimed to explore business opportunities across diverse sectors including Agriculture & Food Processing, Green Energy and Power, Electric Vehicles, Mining & Industries, Building Construction & Consultancy, Pharmaceuticals, Oil and Gas, FMCG Products, IT and AI, Education and Training , Trade and Investment and more. The delegation was marked by the participation in key business forums, B2B meetings, and visits to pivotal industrial sites, enhancing trade and investment ties between India and these West African nations.
The Indian business delegation includes renowned companies namely Plug N Ride Motors, NIMS Univeristy, Integral Univeristy, Arise IIP, Leads Connect Services, Donias Megalink, Meatek Food Machineries, Suryansh Automation and Technology, Kuber Group of Companies and more.
On 23rd June, 2024 (Day 1) on Arrival in Benin we were warmly received at Cotonou Cadjehoun Airport by local officials and business representatives. The welcoming arrangements set a positive tone for the upcoming engagements, reflecting the mutual enthusiasm for strengthening business ties.
On 25th June, 2024 (Day 2), The delegation began their day with a visit to Ganvié, also known as the “Venice of Africa.” This village’s stilt houses and bustling waterways provided a unique cultural experience and underscored the community’s historical resilience. The day continued with engaging B2B meetings focusing on, Sustainable farming and food security, Renewable energy projects and electric mobility solutions, Opportunities in resource extraction and industrial growth and Enhancements in educational infrastructure and training programs. These discussions paved the way for potential partnerships and showcased Benin’s rich heritage.
On 25th June, 2024 (Day 3) the India-Benin Business Forum featured an enlightening session with the Indian multi-sector business delegation and the Indian High Commission in Benin. The interaction provided valuable insights into Benin’s business landscape, with delegates from various sectors exploring diverse trade and investment opportunities. This forum helped in creating engaging discussions, setting the stage for promising collaborations between Indian and Beninese enterprises. The delegation left Benin with a strong foundation for bilateral trade and investment, eagerly anticipating their next destination to Togo.
On 26th June, 2024 (Day 4), the delegation arrived in Togo. The delegation received a warm welcome from the Indian community in Lomé. The event, hosted by the Indian Community of Togo and the Embassy of India in Lomé, celebrated the growing relationships between India and Togo. This engagement highlighted the commitment of Indian businesses to collaborate with Togo for mutual growth and prosperity.
On 27th June, 2024 (Day 5) the visit to the Lomé Container Terminal offered insights into Togo’s logistics and maritime sector. Key highlights of this visit was Observing seamless containerized cargo handling vital to the region’s economy, Discussions on logistics innovations and collaboration in optimizing supply chains and Recognizing Lomé’s role as a central hub for West African trade.
In the evening, The India-Togo Business Forum was held at Hotel 2 Février in Lomé where all key stakeholders gathered to explore business opportunities, foster bilateral trade, and enhance economic collaboration. Key takeaways included in this forum is Engaging discussions on trade policies and investment opportunities, Building bridges for stronger economic ties and Collaborative sessions focusing on technology, agriculture, and infrastructure. The forum was a resounding success, thanks to the efforts of Sh. Sevala N Mude and the Indian Embassy in Lomé.
On 28th June, 2024 Day 6: Visit to ARISE IIP Industrial Park 🇹🇬 (28th June 2024)
On the final day, the delegation visited the ARISE IIP Industrial Park, a hub of innovation and growth. The visit showcased Togo’s potential as a center for industrial excellence, offering opportunities for global businesses. The park’s:
- Cutting-edge Infrastructure
- Strategic Location: Positioned as a gateway to West African markets.
- Collaborative Environment
Special Collaboration Highlight: CLS SIGMA and NIMS University Partnership
In a significant development, CLS SIGMA entered into a partnership with NIMS University, specializing in medical sciences and engineering. This collaboration, spearheaded by Mr. Mama OMOROU and Prof. Amarika SINGH, aims to pave the way for scientific advancements and mutual growth.
Special thanks to Rekha Sharma, Founder of MARS, for her pivotal role in the success of this project.
Conclusion
The MARS Business Delegation to Benin and Togo successfully identified and explored opportunities across key sectors, fostering stronger economic ties between India and these nations. The delegation’s engagements laid the groundwork for fruitful partnerships and future collaborations, contributing to the mutual growth and prosperity of the involved regions.
