Upcoming Event: eCommerce, Economic Recovery and AfCFTA Virtual Conference

ecomConnect first virtual conference with Organic Trade and Investments

eComConnect is organizing its first virtual conference edition on June 4, 2020 on eCommerce in view of analyzing the impact of COVID-19 on SMEs and understand "in what way has e-commerce become a key priority for SMEs and policymakers alike in the response to COVID-19?"

With a particular focus on Africa and the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) initiatives and policies, the conference will bring together panelists from Burkina Faso, Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, Bangladesh, and Ghana; represented by Organic Trade and Investments' Managing Director; Esther Asante.

FOUND OUT MORE >> E-COMMERCE, ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND AFCFTA VIRTUAL CONFERENCE AGENDA: FRENCH VERSION OR ENGLISH VERSION.

The panel comprises Managers from the private sector. They will explain how e-commerce companies and entrepreneurs have reacted to the crisis and offer recommendations for navigating the post crisis period.

FOUND OUT MORE >> ABOUT THE E-COMMERCE, ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND AFCFTA VIRTUAL CONFERENCE.

In the second of these sessions, themed “e-commerce: inclusivity and economic recovery” Organic Trade and Investments' Managing Director will explain in what way does e-commerce benefit the producers of organic foods in Africa and how has Organic Trade and Investments (OTI) responded to the COVID-19 crisis?

The selected topic is in correlation with the Company's impressive sales performance during this crisis.

On May 2020, in an exclusive interview with ecomConnect, Asante explains how, amid the crisis, Organic Trade and Investments still was able to boost sales by 1,300%:

"Our company was not hit by the current situation. We implemented our internal emergency response plan as soon as we heard the first case of COVID-19 in China. We have focused more on essential products and scheduled a conference call with all our suppliers in that domain to advise them to be ready. Aloe Vera gel and hand sanitizers are two such fast moving essential products. We are producing 5 tons of Aloe Vera gel and hand sanitizers per week. Other articles such as shea butter, cocoa butter, and African black soap are also in high demand. We are getting ready to supply the market (whether international or local) with edible commodities (rice, fonio, sesame seeds, soy beans, etc.) after the crisis. We have already received orders from international importers and local exporters for our crops. We know that there could be a food crisis but if we are well prepared, we can overcome it."