African Foundation for Development (AFFORD)

Helping to expand and enhance the contributions Africans in the diaspora make to African development

info [at] afford-uk [dot] org

Events

Training

ABC Connects Fashion With Africa

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ABC Connect is the AFFORD Business Club’s monthly networking event. It is an opportunity to network with members and gain some insight from experts in various fields.

ABC Connect in January 2019 will be a roundtable discussion focusing on the business of fashion in Africa and reaching wider markets. We will be hearing from industry experts, successful designers and those with the finance to provide necessary insight to fashion entrepreneurs with their eye on Africa!

Our guest speakers will include Jacqueline Shaw Director of Africa Fashion Guide, Yemisi Mokuolu CEO of Hatch Africa and Aji Ayorinde Founder and Creative Director of MIA London.

Topics covered will include:
– Testimony from industry experts
– Experience of successful designers
– Access to finance opportunities
– Networking with fashion insiders

This exclusive event is limited to 20 seats, so register now and don’t miss out!

International Customers and Relationships Creative Enterprise Programme

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Our ABC Manager Elvina Quaison, alongside our Diaspora Experience Manager, Jacqueline Brown, will be hosting an ‘International Customers and Relationships‘ session as part of the Assembly Hub 15 day intense training programme in Lagos on the 28 September 2018. The Assembly Hub is a diaspora-led organisation based in Lagos which provides business support and advice to creative entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

The Assembly wants to give fashion, beauty and creative entrepreneurs a fresh start with a 15-day intense training program in Lagos called The Creative Class. The training’s are designed to accelerate entrepreneurs in the fashion and creative sector with the essential knowledge and tools they require to start and grow a creative enterprise.

The session will focus on:
– Understanding your global customer
– Why customer service is king
– How to distinguish yourself from your competitor
– Why effective communication is key
– Pathways to selling

If you are interested in registering, please click here. The deadline for registering to participate is 10 September 2018.

How To Build Your Personal Brand

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In this high impact seminar Ronke Lawal will be providing strategic insight into how individuals can boost their personal brands. This is ideal for business owners, entrepreneurs or professionals who want to raise their corporate visibility and business credibility. Delegates will learn how to make more of an impact within their sectors both online via social media and offline at networking events or through public speaking opportunities. Ronke will also use PR tactics to show delegates how to use raise their personal brands effectively, develop effective relationships and build a community of personal brand ambassadors who will champion them throughout their career or business journeys.

  • The Power of A Personal brand – how having a strong personal brand can make an impact on your overall marketing strategy and open up new opportunities in your business or career journey.
  • Using PR to enhance your profile – Using public relations strategies to enhance your public profile.
  • Identifying your values & Knowing your purpose – Understanding what your brand is and how you can maintain your integrity and authenticity.
  • Social Media strategy – How to use social media platforms to raise your visibility.
  • Public Speaking Tips – Advice and guidance on becoming a more confident public speaker.
  • Measuring Success – Assessing Long term goals and celebrating success.

Ronke Lawal, Founder of Ariatu PR is dedicated to seeing small business shine and succeed, using over a decade of business experience she will be giving business owners an overview of how to use PR to gain media coverage and ultimately grow their business.

AFFORD’s Business Club members will benefit from 40% discount. Send an email to events@afford-uk.org to find out more.

More info here

 

SMART Technology for SMEs

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AFFORD Business Club (ABC) aims to support job creation in Africa by providing business development support to African diaspora entrepreneurs who seek to develop or launch their businesses in Africa.

The SMART Technology industry is worth £14 trillion pounds. Whilst the UK commands 20% of the current market, it is forecast that 50% of the global growth in this industry will come from African SMEs. Lagos Nigeria is the first African SMART city. Operating in housing, industry, transport, environment and communications, there are numerous opportunities for SMEs to provide services for the SMART technology sector .

The programme will be delivered by Ervine Okuboh, Business Adviser for AFFORD.

 

 

 

ABC Business Support Programmes 2018 – Financial Management

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AFFORD Business Club (ABC) aims to support job creation in Africa by providing business development support to African diaspora entrepreneurs who seek to develop or launch their businesses in Africa.

This programme would provide the participant /learner with basic information and learning tools which will enable him/her to undertake competent financial management of their business. The content would cover cashflow forecasting,profit & loss, budgeting, audit and access to finance. The programme provides an understanding of the principles of financial management, acquiring budgeting skills and increasing your knowledge of cash flow management.

The programme will be delivered in Manchester by Ted Rowlands, Senior Business Mentor at Start-up Direct.

Ted Rowlands has worked with SME companies for over thirty five years. During this period he has worked as a senior manager with Natwest, managed three major business trusts and is now a Senior Business Mentor for Start-up Direct, the UK’s largest start up finance company. A successful and energetic Senior Manager, with extensive experience in working with S.M.E’s, he is an established, qualified and respected business adviser. In addition he has long standing experience and knowledge of establishing African owned businesses in the UK. He has successfully led business programmes in Liverpool, Manchester and London, from 1985 to the present date. During this period Ted has also formally advised successive UK governments about inner city business development.

ABC Training 2018: International Trade and Development

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AFFORD Business Club (ABC) aims to support job creation in Africa by providing business development support to African diaspora entrepreneurs who seek to develop or launch their businesses in Africa.

This programme will assist SMEs to understand the practical issues regarding international trade. Participants will be given information on key subjects, including tariffs, trading blocs, business regulation and market information.

 

Training Content:

• International Markets
• Sources of Information
• Trade Regulations and tariffs
• Documentation
• Letter of credit
• Customs Procedures
• Trading blocs
• Types of Trade
• Brexit
• Agents and Distributors
• Importing
• Exporting
• Services

The programme will be delivered by Ervine Okuboh and Albert Tucker, Business Advisers for AFFORD. Albert and Ervine have a wealth of experience undertaking and implementing international trade programmes and also providing business advisory services to SMEs undertaking international trade.

Participants will be given information on key subjects, including tariffs, trading blocs, business regulation and market information. This programme will assist SMEs to understand the practical issues regarding international trade, be aware of the rules and regulations of international trade and give the participants a greater understanding and knowledge of global growth markets and the support structures available to SMEs.