The VGC Group Chief Marketing Officer Naomi Jordan Cook and Chief Operating Officer W.E. Da’Cruz recently participated in the World Export Development Forum (WEDF) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Cook and Da’Cruz were invited to be guest speakers in the WEDF by the International Trade Center. Given ‘Online Marketing’ as their topic, the VGC co-founders led a successful B2B (Business to Business) workshop for entrepreneurs from across the continent of Africa.
Cook and Da’Cruz also spoke about eCommerce and eMarketing to youth entrepreneurs at the WEDF Youth Media Zone. The VGC co-founders engaged in interactive sessions with young entrepreneurs, journalists, bloggers, vloggers and youth organization leaders.
Cook and Da’Cruz engaging with participants from Kenya and Ethiopia.For WEDF 2019, the theme is ‘Trade and Invest in One Africa’. The VGC Group fully recognizes and supports this theme as it aims to bring light on the untapped trade opportunities currently present in Africa.
“We recently created an online ecosystem to increase exports of African businesses,” says Da’Cruz. “Our vision is to transform the narrative of Africa whereby purchasing products ‘Made in Africa’ becomes a new norm for people around the world. It’s a narrative written by African entrepreneurs themselves.”
Cook adds, “Our goal is to also use this platform to bridge the diaspora. With the increase of travel back to the continent under the theme ‘Year of Return,’ we’re creating an opportunity for those who are unable to return to still connect with their roots by either purchasing the products and/or being part of the teams of people who help promote and market.”
Aftown Mall, The VGC Group’s latest venture, uses eCommerce as a tool for economic development for Africa. It is a unique eCommerce ecosystem (web and mobile application) designed to position, promote, and make African-based products profitable in the global marketplace.
As trade and investment opportunities abound in Africa, Aftown Mall is the perfect opportunity for African businesses to sell their products online and expand their market. Da’Cruz and Cook proudly introduced Aftown Mall to WEDF participants, and shared their mission of connecting global consumers to unique and high quality products made in Africa.
The VGC Group introduced Aftown Mall to WEDF participantsTo know more about Aftown Mall, visit aftownmall.com. For inquiries contact shop@aftownmall.com or call (888) 653-4528.
