A New Platform that Helps Buyers Source in Africa

Africa has been rising to the top of many buyers’  ‘need to look into’ list.However the vastness of the continent - and the diversity amongst regions - makes this a daunting task.A new platform aims to make this easier by gathering key supplier information and organising it in an easy to search database.Not only that, the platform provides an entire ecosystem that ties in support services from inspection to freelance designers.Today I’m speaking with Dirk Robens, CEO of ABANA, a digital solution for discovering Africa’s apparel manufacturers.  Dirk has spent over 30 years in the apparel industry, both on the manufacturing side as well as serving as Sourcing Director for Mr. Price Group, Africa’s largest retailer.He’ll be explaining what ABANA offers, as well as giving us a closer look at sourcing opportunities in Africa.Mauritius and Madagascar in particular have a long history as knitwear suppliers.  As African nations, they also have duty-free status to both the EU and the US, as well as the ability to handle small orders with short lead times. Before we get started, if you’re looking for trend information to technical innovation, then you’ll want to check out SPINEXPO, the primary exhibition for yarns and knitwear.  The fair provides well-edited forums featuring high quality products that are bursting with creativity.  To learn more, go to SPINEXPO.com.  You can also find a link in the show notes for this episode.Now, let’s sit down with Dirk and get some insights into sourcing in Africa.Learn more about SPINEXPO at www.spinexpo.comLearn more about ABANA at www.abana.muThe Current Situation in Sourcing:   https://bit.ly/current_situtationSEND US A MESSAGEVisit A Seat at The Table's website at https://seat.fm