Dubai Exports, the export promotion agency of the Department of Economic Development (DED) in Dubai, hosted a business forum in Nairobi, marking the conclusion of a five-day trade mission to Kenya, which provided varied opportunities for companies from the UAE and Kenya to come closer and mutually explore new opportunities. Dubai Kenya trade relations are set for further consolidation in the years to come.   The mission attracted a large number of Kenyan businesses, encouraged by the growing bilateral relations between the two countries and the increasing importance of the UAE, particularly Dubai, as a gateway to high-growth markets. The mission was part of Dubai Exports’ focus on promising African markets during the last three years and following the overwhelming response received in Kenya. The agency will now work on a new strategy to vigorously pursue regional markets, including Africa. The business forum in Nairobi focused on the importance of the UAE as a source market for Kenyan businesses as well as ways to familiarise UAE companies with government tenders and export procedures in Kenya.  The forum was organised in co-operation with the UAE Embassy and Chamber of Commerce in Kenya. Speakers in the business forum included Their Excellences Abdul Razak Mohamed Hadi, UAE Ambassador to Kenya; Amina Mohamed, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in Kenya; Head of Kenya’s Chamber of Commerce; and Mohammed Ali Al Kamali, Deputy CEO of Dubai Exports as well as Arab diplomats and businessmen in Kenya. Dubai Kenya Bi-Lateral Ties   “We have a strategic relationship with the UAE and we are always keen to support everything that promotes our bilateral trade and economic engagement. Business forums like these are one of most important channels through which investors, traders and exporters can mutually identify opportunities and form partnerships. Our bilateral co-operation is constantly evolving, but we would like to ensure the support of companies on both sides to increase in the volume of trade exchange,” said Her Excellency Amina Mohamed. The Minister added that Dubai’s advanced infrastructure made it one of the most competent destinations in the world for trade and investment. Dubai’s ongoing efforts to promote business and the initiatives being launched to sustain economic activity and development were also mentioned by Her Excellency. His Excellency Abdul Razak Mohammed Hadi remarked that Kenya is important to the UAE as the most important gateway to East Africa. “The UAE sees strong prospects for co-operation with Kenya in various political and economic fields, and our Embassy supporting this forum is proof of our close co-ordination with local authorities in Kenya. We call on the business sector in Dubai and the UAE in general to seize the opportunities in the Kenyan market.” Mohammed Ali Al Kamali commented: “The trade mission provided many opportunities for UAE companies and investors to understand the East African market where we seek to facilitate their access in collaboration with governmental bodies and institutions in Kenya. As part of our Africa strategy we will focus on opening up new markets in the continent for Emirati products. ” Al Kamali also presented a memento to the Kenyan Minister in recognition for her support to the forum and the Dubai Exports mission.

A move to strengthened destination marketing and boost tourism in the land of Kilimanjaro and spices, Destination Zanzibar returns to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2017, through strategic alliance with Zanzibar Commission for Tourism (ZCT), Zanzibar Association of Tour Operators (ZATO), Zanzibar Association of Tourism Investors (ZATI) and Tanzania Tourism Board under the banner “Tanzania – the land of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar & the Serengeti”. Determined to develop a holistic campaign that delivers a stronger voice and aligned vision, this partnership will serve as a forum for networking and collaborations while showcasing Tanzania as a growing market with business opportunities within leisure and business travel sectors. During international travel shows, the partnership’s objective will continue to promote world-class travel experiences including Safari wildlife, cultural adventures, beach experiences and all that remains unexplored. Joining Tanzania Tourism Board and Zanzibar Commission for Tourism at this year’s edition of Arabian Travel Market is Destination Zanzibar, Asanja Africa, Azao Resort, Bluebay Hotels Zanzibar, Bobby Tours Tanzania Safaris, Exotic Zanzibar, Golden Tulip Zanzibar Resort, Lifestyle Safaris & Holidays, Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority, The Aiyana Hotel, Zan Tours and Zanzibar Association of Tour Operators. The delegation will discuss changing travel trends across Luxury, Adventure, Safaris and Family Holidays as well as MICE inviting operators to connect with representatives, operators and hoteliers promoting Zanzibar as more than sun, sand and sea and Safari products. Culturally, historically and economically interesting for GCC travelers, Tanzania and Zanzibar islands aim to engage with GCC travel agencies and stakeholders allowing them to get better acquainted with the destination and its attractions. Major Gulf carriers like Emirates, FlyDubai, Qatar Airways, Oman Air and Etihad who fly frequently to Tanzania, have become catalysts to changing tourism landscape   “We predicted positive results following our participation at last year’s edition of ATM. Zanzibar has since witnessed an increase in tourism from this region, a testament to the destination potential across the Gulf. Tourism will continue to grow as the market develops and offers wide range of holiday packages for a wider demographic.  Returning to ATM 2017 is a milestone for Zanzibar team; we have united with TTB to promote Tanzania – the land of Kilimanjaro, Zanzibar & the Serengeti, presenting the entirety of the destination that includes safari and beach holidays, undoubtedly a feather on our cap” said Hafsa Mbamba, Managing Director, Destination Zanzibar. Tanzania Tourism “Collective collaboration unites our common goals and governs our efforts to boost travel and tourism to mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. A land of plenty, Tanzania is blessed with natural beauty, wildlife, rich history, fascinating cultures and stunning beaches, making it one of the most beautiful and must visit places on earth.  As we enter this new market, competing against matured destinations, we have no doubt or skepticism towards what we bring to new audience and travel industry across the GCC ” said Devota Kasanda Mdachi, Managing Director, Tanzanian Tourism Board. Inhabited by friendly and warm-hearted people, Tanzania is one of the most beautiful places to visit providing travellers the most unforgettable holiday experiences in the world.  A melting pot with unique attractions, it is by far a destination of contradictions suitable for families, honeymooners as well as adventurers and thrill seekers. The changing landscape of tourism in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar means expansion across hospitality sector and aviation industries will continue as hotels, resorts; airlines and tour operators enter the market attracting foreign investors across tourism sector.

In order to boost its tourism income, Uganda is making efforts to promote its tourism industry internationally. As part of this plan, the country hosted a special stand at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) in Dubai to showcase its tourism products in the Middle East markets. “Arabian Travel Market is an important event for us and helps us reach new markets in the Middle east region,” said Edwin Muzahura, Marketing Manager of Uganda Tourism Board. “We are hoping that travellers from the Middle East will travel to Uganda in increasing numbers to take advantage of the excellent tourism infrastructure that Uganda has developed over the years – including some world-class hotels and resorts. Excellent air connectivity between the GCC countries and Uganda also augurs well for increased bi-lateral tourism and travel ties between Uganda and the Middle East,” he said. ATM is the leading global event for the Middle East inbound and outbound travel industry and has played an important role in promoting new destinations amongst the high-spending tourists from the Middle East. Following the success of the 2016 exhibition, where more than 40,000 industry professionals, including 30,000 trade visitors, agreed deals worth USD 2.5 billion, it is expected ATM 2017 will welcome over 2,600 confirmed exhibitors – with 100 exhibiting for the first time – across 65 national pavilions. The show will also extend across an additional hall, in order to meet growing demand. “The United Arab Emirates presents Uganda with huge opportunity to tap tourist arrivals by virtue of its geographical proximity and excellent air connections”, said Irene Florence Persis Wekiya, Ambassador of Uganda to the United Arab Emirates. “Uganda is less than five hours flight time from Dubai to Entebbe. There are as many as nine airlines that provide easy connectivity and frequency to Entebbe from UAE, including flydubai, Emirates Airlines (from Dubai), Air Arabia (from Sharjah), and Etihad Airways (from Abu Dhabi). Uganda has an Embassy in the UAE in Abu Dhabi making visa processing much more convenient. Most expatriates are able to process their visa on arrival”, said Irene Wekiya. Halal Certified Easy availability of halal food has also attracted Muslim travellers from the Middle East in recent years. The Uganda Halal Bureau has listed nine manufacturers whose products qualify for Halal certification. According to recent studies, by 2020, more than 160 million Muslim tourists are expected to travel globally, spending upward of US$200 million. Uganda is aiming to garner of sizeable share of this market by setting standards for hotels and other touristic facilities to be certified as ‘Halal and Muslim’ friendly destinations. Uganda-Dubai Travel Ties “We must allow these factors to play into our advantage and attract more tourists from Dubai to Uganda,” said Irene Florence Persis Wekiya. “Uganda’s participation at the Arabian Travel Market also aims at increasing business-to-business contacts among travel professionals as well as exchange ideas and share best practice with travel trade,” she said. UAE is one of the the principal market for Uganda in the greater GCC market that consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. Commenting at the launch of the Entebbe route in 2014, flydubai CCO Hamad Obaidalla had said: “We are delighted to be flying to Entebbe, one of Africa’s leading commercial centres. With daily flights offering the choice of Economy and Business Class, we will facilitate the flow of tourism and business between Uganda and the UAE.” Last year Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing’s (Dubai Tourism) organised the first-ever East Africa road show that also went to Kampala to promote bi-lateral travel and tourism ties between Uganda and the United Arab Emirates. In 2016, the UAE was the fifth largest source market for Uganda globally. The Uganda Tourism Board (UTB) is the official Government destination market organisation with the responsibility to promote and market Uganda as the preferred tourism destination in Africa. In this UTB works with other government agencies and the private business operators in the tourism sector. UTB does not run private tours, but represents the tourism industry players and promotes all for the public benefit.

Kenya is increasingly its promotion activities aimed at attracting tourists from the Middle East as its tourist industry has been recovering from a slump due to recent events like kidnappings of tourists by Somali pirates and weakness in the euro-zone economy. Against such a backdrop, the United Arab Emirates presents Kenya with huge opportunity to tap tourist arrivals by virtue of its proximity that Kenya enjoys with a less than five hours flight time from Dubai to Nairobi. There are many airlines that provide easy connectivity and frequency to Nairobi from UAE, including Kenya Airways, Emirates Airlines (from Dubai), Air Arabia (from Sharjah), and Etihad Airways (from Abu Dhabi). Kenya has an Embassy in the UAE in Abu Dhabi and a Consulate General in Dubai making visa processing in Dubai much more convenient. Most expatriates are able to process their visa on arrival. The UAE and Kenya have also signed a double-taxation avoidance agreement, which included the clause that all the UAE’s national carriers would be exempt from taxes in Kenya.   “We plan to organise a special familiarisation trip for schools to further expand our reach and explore new areas of inbound tourist traffic from the Middle East,” said Jacinta Nzioka, Director of Marketing for Kenya Tourism Board. “Through our participation in the Arabian Travel Market we hope to further consolidate our position as a popular tourist destination for travellers from the Middle east by showcasing our varied tourist attractions,” she said. According to recent reports the number of outbound trips from the UAE increased by 5 per cent last year, with as many as 3.5 million outbound visitors. With this surge in growth in the UAE tourism industry, Kenya Tourism Board seeks to woo travellers from the UAE and emerge as a popular destination for visitors from the region. The Kenya Tourism Board aims to grow sales by 10,000 from 18,428 to 28,428 UAE by December 2017. The global consolidated arrivals in to Kenya for 2016 closed at 1,307,351, a 10.4% growth over 2015 that recorded 1,183,847. Added advantages to travel to kenya include the recent incentives like park fees reduction, waiver of visa fees for children under 16 and the Charter Incentive Programme (CIP) as part of the other programmes that are aimed at growing Kenya’s attractiveness for travellers from the Middle East. UAE is the principal market for Kenya in the greater GCC market that consists of Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates. In 2016, the UAE was the fifth largest source market for Kenya globally. Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) was established in 1997 with the objective to inspire the world to visit Kenya through effective marketing of Kenya’s tourism products while enriching the lives of Kenyans and visitors alike.

The pharmaceutical industry in Kenya is growing at a rapid pace and offers excellent opportunities for exporters and manufacturers to establish their products and services in the lucrative market for pharmaceuticals in East Africa. Kenya is currently the largest producer of pharmaceutical products in the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) region, supplying about 50% of the regions’ market. Kenya’s prescription pharmaceuticals market is worth over $500 million and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.8% till 2020. Prescription drugs account for around 78% of the market. However, the fastest growth in the coming years is expected in the over-the-counter (OTC) product sales. The pharmaceutical industry in Kenya consists of three segments namely the manufacturers, distributors and retailers. All these play a major role in supporting the country’s health sector, which is estimated to have about 5,000 health facilities countrywide. The number of companies engaged in manufacturing and distributionof pharmaceutical products in Kenya continue to expand, driven by the Government’s efforts to promote local and foreign investment in the sector. There are about 700 registered wholesale and 1,300 retail dealers in Kenya, manned by registered pharmacists and pharmaceutical technologists. These pharmacies are accorded a 25% mark-up on retail drugs. The pharmaceutical sector in Kenya is also engaged in assembling capsules, disposable syringes, paracetamol, and surgical gauze amongst others. Kenya spends about 8% of its GDP on health. The Kenya Medical Suppliers Agency (KEMSA), a division of the Ministry of Health, largely carries out the distribution of pharmaceutical products in Kenya. It distributes drugs to government public health facilities and private health facilities. The health sector in Kenya is one of the sectors that has experienced remarkable development in the recent years. The country has made great efforts in controlling diseases like Malaria, TB and Cholera while actively fighting the AIDS/HIV pandemic. Similar efforts have been made in controlling communicable diseases like poliomyelitis, neonatal tetanus and measles. The targets for eradication of the guinea worm disease and elimination of lymphatic filariasis and leprosy have been attained. Other parasitic diseases of epidemiological concern such as schistosomiasis, helminthiasis and leishmaniasis are seriously being addressed. The market is heavily dependent on the private clientele, and affordability remains a primary restraint, together with low reimbursement rates. Kenya also enjoys preferential access to the regional market under a number of special access and duty reduction programmes related to the East African Community (EAC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) among others. Increasingly, urban consumers constitute Kenya’s primary market segment, while private hospital pharmacies remain the principal vendors within the market’s urban sector. Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Companies in Kenya: Alpha Medical Manufacturers – Nairobi Aventis Pasteur SA East Africa – Nairobi Bayer East Africa Limited – Nairobi Beta Healthcare (Shelys Pharmaceuticals) – Nairobi Cosmos Limited – Nairobi Dawa Pharmaceuticals Limited – Nairobi Didy Pharmaceutical – Nairobi Diversey Lever – Nairobi Eli-Lilly (Suisse) SA – Nairobi Elys Chemical Industries Ltd – Nairobi Glaxo SmithKline – Nairobi High Chem East Africa Ltd – Nairobi Ivee Aqua EPZ Limited – Athi River Mac’s Pharmaceutical Ltd – Nairobi Manhar Brothers (Kenya) Ltd – Nairobi Novartis Rhone Poulenic Ltd – Nairobi Novelty Manufacturers Ltd – Nairobi Pfizer Corp (Agency) – Nairobi Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Co (K) Ltd – Nairobi Pharmaceutical Products Limited – Nairobi Phillips Pharmaceuticals Limited – Nairobi Regal Pharmaceutical Ltd – Nairobi Universal Pharmaceutical Limited – Nairobi Cardiovascular, diabetes and anti-infectives constitute the largest and fastest-growing prescription market segments, and GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) is reported to be Kenya’s leading pharmaceutical supplier, with around 12% market share. This is primarily due to the fact that the company reduced the prices of key products by approximately 40% a few years back. Around 41% of all anti-infective products sold in pharmacies were licensed to GlaxoSmithKline. GlaxoSmithKline has been able to garner a substantial share of Kenya’s pharmaceutical market largely due to the popularity of its anti-infectives, which account for approximately 42% of all revenues generated in the prescription sector. The prices of Amoxil (amoxicillin) 500mg, Suprapen (amoxicillin plus flucloxacillin) 500mg and Floxapen (flucloxacillin) 500mg are particularly competitive within the respective active ingredient classes Cardiovascular is Kenya’s most dominant and fastest-growing prescription market segment, worth around $40 million in 2017 and expected to show a CAGR of 15.4% to 2019, while the diabetes market was valued at approximately $35.2 million last year and is forecast to rise at a CAGR of 13.5% during 2010-2019. Based on revenue segmentation, the top-selling cardiovascular product in Kenya was Nebilit [nebivolol) 5mg, licensed to Menarini, accounting for approximately 7% of revenues for all prescription products sold. And within the diabetes therapeutic segment, Merck Serono’s Glucophage (metformin) 500mg was the most popular product, based on volume segmentation, accounting for approximately 19.8% of all oral hypoglycaemic tablets sold. Kenyan private consumers’ prefer branded innovator products, despite the high penetration of generic manufacturers within the overall industry. A critical success factor within the Kenyan market is the use of distributors with established networks with key vendor outlets. Investment Opportunities in Kenya’s Pharmaceuticals Industry Opportunities for investment in the health/pharmaceutical sector in Kenya include: ? Manufacture of disposable surgical gloves, latex gloves and condoms. Commercial processing of traditional medicines, considering the diverse flora available in the country. ? Multipurpose chemical plant for bulk production of intermediate inputs such as paracetamol, aspirin, etc. ? Processing of locally available sugar, salt (sodium chloride) and ethanol to pharmaceutical grade for pharmaceutical industry use. ? Chemical plant to manufacture anti tuberculosis, anti-leprosy, antibiotic rifampicin from the penultimate state. ? Manufacture of Quinine by extraction from Cinchona bark and subsequent purification and synthesis to Quinine sulphate. ? Extraction of Hecogenin from sisal waste and synthesis of Betamethasone from Hecogenin. Manufacture of medical supplies e.g. syringes, catheters, gauzes, etc,and medical equipment for the regional market. Prospects for the pharmaceutical industry in Kenya? Export of high quality products ?Increased quantity of production Expand product portfolio and intensify the search for new markets and marketing opportunities Support for medical research Kenya’s Pharmaceutical Industry 15 Ensure strict adherence to the national code of conduct and the industry’s code of practice. Importers Database: Importers of Pharmaceuticals in Africa   The research team at Africa Business Pages has compiled a valuable database of pharmaceutical companies in Africa through painstaking work across more than 20 African countries. The result is the compilation of the first even Africa Pharmaceutical Directory which lists more than 6,500 pharmaceutical companies in Africa. This database of pharmaceutical-related companies in Africa lists wholesalers of pharmaceuticals in Africa, pharmacies in Africa, pharmaceutical retailers in Africa, hospital suppliers in Africa, Pharmaceuticals Distributors, Clinics & Hospitals, Government Medical Clinics, Medical Institutes as well Manufacturers of Pharmaceuticals in Africa. The Africa Pharmaceutical Directory is available for download here. Companies and exporters of pharmaceuticals from across the world have been using this database of pharmaceutical companies in Africa to reach potential buyers in Africa of pharmaceuticals and connect with importers of pharmaceuticals in Africa. This Directory contains the latest and complete information about your potential business partners in several cities across Africa. Listings of Top Companies Dealing in Pharmaceuticals In MS Excel format Classified under different Trade Categories Up-to-date database of tyre dealers in Africa The database is well organised in an Excel sheet and the sortable fields include: Company Name, Address, Phone, Fax, Email, Website, Business Category.

Economic integration is key to Africa’s growth and development across all sectors, Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda, explained as he addressed audiences at the Global Business Forum on Africa in Dubai. During a special head of state session entitled, “Next Generation Africa – Realising the Promise of Integration”, the Ugandan President underlined the importance of education in addressing the challenges facing African countries. He warned that a lack of integration will inhibit Africa’s ability to establish healthy markets and may potentially worsen the continent’s brain drain. Museveni called on young people, in particular, to find solutions to the problems facing African societies and be the engine of their development. He urged the youth to focus more on their national identity and less on other affiliations in order to prioritise public interest, build strong societies, and help expand African companies’ footprint into international markets “I am proud of my struggle against sectarianism in my country, because sectarianism is backed by foreign interests rather than national ones. I am committed to implementing all measures necessary to build a bright future for my country. This is not an achievement, it is a national effort to firmly place Uganda on the international map, and cement its distinct national identity,”  said Museveni. He stressed his view that African unity is paramount the continent’s progress and development in the future, and noted that Africa is making great strides on economic integration. “On the political side, however, we have work to do. It is my dream to have a unified African market, where goods flow smoothly between East and West Africa, in addition to larger political integration in order to protect ourselves against global blocs and major countries such as China, India, and America, without isolating Africa from the rest of the world,” he concluded.

East African countries could ban imports of used clothes and second-hand cars in the next three years, putting an end to a lucrative trade in the region. The EAC directed member countries to buy their textiles and shoes from within the region with a view to phasing out imports by 2019. The move follows a decision by the six-nation East African Community – Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Tanzania and South Sudan – to fully ban imported second-hand clothes, shoes and used cars by 2019, arguing it would help member countries boost domestic manufacturing. Second-hand cars have also been blamed for causing accidents. To avoid paying taxes, people pay bribes at ports to import cars. Those cars then do not go through any safety checks. To give some idea of the extent of smuggled imports, recent news reports claim that over 2,700 shipping containers had disappeared in at Dar es Salaam port in Tanzania. The U.S. Trade Representative is also threatening to review trade benefits to Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) after a complaint by U.S. interests about East African ban on imports of used clothing. The AGOA trade program provides eligible sub-Saharan countries duty-free access to the United States on condition they meet certain statutory eligibility requirements, including eliminating barriers to U.S. trade and investment, among others. U.S. AGOA imports from Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda totaled $43 million in 2016, up from $33 million in 2015. U.S. exports to Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda were $281 million in 2016, up from $257 million the year before.