MUSCAT: A dialogue session highlighting investment and trade opportunities in Africa’s food market was organised by the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, in cooperation with the National Programme for Private Sector Development and Foreign Trade, (Nazdaher).
The session forms part of national efforts to promote the products of factories operating in special economic zones, free zones and industrial cities, while expanding trade exchange between the Sultanate of Oman and African countries and opening new markets for the Omani private sector.
Participants reviewed the findings of a specialised study analysing food imports in selected African markets and identifying products where Oman has strong potential to expand exports and trade flows.
The initiative provides Omani manufacturers, entrepreneurs and investors in the food sector with insights into high-demand products and market entry opportunities across Africa, helping them better position their offerings in regional and international markets.
The session saw wide participation from both public and private sector entities, Nazdaher, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion — represented by Oman Exports — the Centre for Strategic Partnerships and Foreign Trade and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Muhannad bin Hamoud al Riyami, Senior Foreign Trade Development Specialist at Nazdaher, said the identified opportunities were verified through field visits to Tanzania and Kenya, where discussions were held with local private sector stakeholders.
“These visits confirmed strong interest from African markets in selected Omani food products”, he said, adding that the main objective is to enable Omani companies to capitalise on these opportunities and strengthen trade ties with the targeted countries.
Al Riyami noted that 10 key products were selected, including meat, sugar, flour and dates, all of which are produced in Oman. Some products are also re-exported, leveraging the Sultanate of Oman’s advanced port and airport infrastructure.
The session was attended by Eng Ahmed bin Hassan al Dheeb, Deputy Chairman of the Public Authority for Special Economic Zones and Free Zones, along with officials from the Nazdaher programme and the Oman Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
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