http:// 2009-06-17T01:01:01Z 2009-06-17T01:01:01Z nigeria-kick-starts-agriculture-revolution

Approves over $8 Billion US Dollars; States Governments seek foreign expertise; Liverpool-Sydney, 16th June, 2009. Few years ago, a group of white Zimbabwe farmers displaced by Mr. Robert Mugabe regime were rehabilitated in Nigeria by Kwara State Government. The farmers were given farming lands and have since started full-scale commercial farming in the country. The success story of the white Zimbabwe farmers is one of the factors that encouraged present Nigeria Government to announce plans to revive agriculture as the bedrock of its economy. The recent announcement includes the release of over $8.9 billion USD to be distributed to State Governments and local commercial farmers. The World Bank through the International Donor Agency is to commit additional $150mUSD to the development of commercial agriculture in Lagos and four other states in Nigeria. The project is expected to spread within a period of five years, while the other states to benefit include Cross Rivers, Enugu, Kaduna and Kano. Some State Governments with the newly approved capital outlay for Agriculture development are now in search of foreign experts in commercial farming. Australian farmers and other Agribusiness-related companies can take advantage of the incentives on offer which include five years tax holidays, full ownership, financing and land acquisition among others. Australian Agribusinesses that are willing to settle-in are expected to replicate their technical expertise and contribute to the revolution of agriculture in the country. The Nigeria new initiative on Agriculture comes as it tinkers with vision 2020 target to join top twenty economies in the globe. On same breath, the government has realized that dependency on oil as key source of revenue is very unpredictable coupled with recent global push towards renewable sources of energy. Nigeria is the biggest English-speaking consumer market in Africa and Middle East with a population of over 150 million people. According to CIA World Factbook, the total land mass in Nigeria is 910,768 sq km and 33.02% of the total land is arable. The World Bank in a recent report confirmed Nigeria as the number one destination for Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs) in Africa with 29.4 per cent; followed by South Africa with 18.2 per cent; Equatorial Guinea 9.1 per cent; Angola 5.2 per cent; Chad 3.8 per cent; and other sub-Saharan African countries with 34.3 per cent. The Nigerian agribusiness sector offers low-cost market entry opportunities for Australian companies that want to partner with Nigeria State Governments or local farmers. Agribusiness consultants and resource personnel can participate in training workshops targeted at updating local knowledge base and best practice. OctoberFirst Consulting have direct contact with key partners and select State Governments in Nigeria. Interested companies or consultants can request for more information by email:info@octoberfirst.com.au or visit www.octoberfirst.com.au. END For more information or interview please contact: Mr. Frank Aneke. Direct Line: 02 97736672 Mobile: 0421 743 463 Email: frank@octoberfirst.com.au About OctoberFirst Consulting. OctoberFirst Consulting Sydney is an investment communication firm. We assist emerging economies in Africa promote research-backed investments and business opportunities to international business community. We work with African Government Agencies and the private sector. We also assist international businesses tap into opportunities in Africa through a step-by step partnership program that ensures smooth market entry. OctoberFirst Consulting Sydney is a member of NSW Business Chamber.

2009-05-26T14:00:00Z octoberfirst-consulting-introduces-business-entry-solutions-to-africa

Liverpool-Sydney, 27th May --- OctoberFirst Consulting Sydney, an investment communication firm with a primary focus on Africa today announced a comprehensive African Market Entry Solutions designed to help businesses identify and take on new profitable business opportunities in Africa.OctoberFirst Consulting has found through feedback and experience that many businesses aspiring to enter emerging economies in Africa face frustrating challenges in sourcing authentic information on opportunities, government incentives and credible contacts. That is why our specialist team has developed African Market Entry Solutions designed to alleviate difficulties that businesses encounter. Our innovative responses give businesses real-time access to research-backed solutions including, sector market overviews, feasibility studies, sourcing of genuine partners, registration of companies and facilitation of trade missions to nominated destinations.Faced with challenging global economic conditions, international-minded businesses are discovering that Africa is the new frontier of global development. Many businesses that invested in Africa in the past decade are now reaping the benefits of higher returns on investment and consolidating their market share in the continent. A host of emerging economies in Africa like Nigeria, South Africa, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Angola, Egypt, and Ghana offer competing incentives to attract much needed investors into their burgeoning economies. With a new wave of democratic governance sweeping across many countries in Africa, businesses are increasingly searching for investment information in sectors such as telecommunication, biotechnology, agribusiness, manufacturing, hospitality, business services, mining, multimedia, automobile, energy and ICT. These sectors offer viable growth opportunities. Aspiring Australian investors do not need to look further to get the information they need or to establish the valuable contact they require. OctoberFirst Consulting Market Entry Solutions simplify the process for Australian businesses in any sector aspiring to establish genuine business partners and direct links with government officials in their sector. Our innovative responses provide businesses with a better understanding of opportunities in their sector and comparisons of incentives being offered by various governments. These services offer businesses strategic tools with which to make informed decisions and increase the prospects of higher returns on investment.For more information on OctoberFirst Consulting African Market Entry Solutions please visit www.octoberfirst.com.au ---- END ----About OctoberFirst Consulting.OctoberFirst Consulting Sydney is an investment communication firm. We are committed to the promotion of research-backed investments and business opportunities in Africa to international business community especially those in Australian region. We assist businesses tap into opportunities in Africa through a step-by step partnership program that ensures accomplishment of expected outcomes for our client.OctoberFirst Consulting Sydney is a member of NSW Business Chamber.For more information or interview please contact:Mr. Frank Aneke.Email: frank@octoberfirst.com.auMobile: 0421 743 463Direct Line: 02 97736672