Press & Policy

The Scottish Chambers of Commerce has formed a strategic alliance with Africa Scotland Business Network.

The alliance between two of Scotland’s most prominent business networks has been founded with the purpose of promoting and facilitating trade between Scotland and African countries, bringing businesses together through events, trade missions and proactive collaboration.

Seona Shand, International Trade Director at the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said:

“Creating a strategic alliance with Africa Scotland Business Network gives us a huge opportunity to boost trade and relations directly between Scotland and African countries.

“The partnership will enable more businesses to connect, discover opportunities, access market intelligence and increase their global footprint in an exciting continent with so much potential.”

Claire Alexander, Director of Africa Scotland Business Network, added:

“This partnership directly supports our ambition to support Scottish companies in Africa whilst raising the profile of doing productive business on this majestic continent. Africa is alive with possibilities and people are eager to work with Scotland.

“Being operational in both Africa and Scotland, ASBN can attest to the tremendous economic impact and benefit to Scottish firms who are working in Africa. We must also celebrate the impact that Scottish companies create in African economies whether it’s through job creation, long term partnerships, skills development or knowledge transfer. It is incredibly inspiring.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

• The Scottish Chambers of Commerce Network is a leading, global and entrepreneurial business network, representing more than 12,000 companies and over 50% of Scotland’s private sector workforce.
• The Africa Scotland Business Network is a growing, global business network of experts and companies who take a real interest in doing business with Africa and Scotland.
• Key African countries present enormous opportunities for Scotland’s energy sectors and world class training and education competence. Scotland, as an energy-rich nation, is already a net exporter of electricity, and the country is at the vanguard of a world-leading green revolution with the skills and education to support other nations’ energy transition, including Africa.
• Many companies from Scotland are already reaping the benefits with strong partnerships in Africa, as documented in the recent Africa Scotland Economic Impact Report commissioned by Scottish Government and produced by Africa Scotland Business Network. The report is due for release in December 2022. Although energy is the largest shared economy, the report showcases case studies of active partnerships across multiple sectors including digitisation, healthcare, customer management services, tourism, manufacturing and importing products from Africa.