Polish companies in the heavy and light industrial sectors are expanding their operations in Africa
The chemical industry plays a key role in the structure of the Polish economy, and its strength is represented by more than 13,000 enterprises operating throughout the country. In 2019, the export value of this sector exceeded PLN 141 million. Whereas on the energy market in Poland, there are four large energy groups: PGE, Tauron, Enea and Energa, which generate approx. 70% of the energy across the country.
One of the Polish companies operating in African countries is Izodom, which offers energy-efficient houses. It has 25 years of experience in the market under its belt and a system that delivers up to 70% savings on heating costs.
Fogo is having a lot of success in Kenya; it is a manufacturer of generators working with engines from the world’s biggest brands.
The Polish-African Economic Forum will be an opportunity to strengthen relations between Poland and African countries and to establish new business relationships. It will be held on 28 March 2022, and it is the second international event of this sort hosted by Poland during Expo 2020 Dubai. In December 2021, the Polish-Arab Economic Forum was attended by about 650 participants – entrepreneurs and representatives of state institutions and delegations.
According to World Bank forecasts, the Sub-Saharan Africa region is going to grow particularly fast, which may prove useful to entrepreneurs looking for new expansion opportunities. By 2050 its GDP should reach as much as USD 29 trillion.
Fogo company is having a lot of success in Congo. It is one of the largest Polish manufacturers of power generators, the high quality of which is evidenced by the fact that they are powered with components produced by the recognised global brands. The generators run on engines made by companies such as Volvo, Mitsubishi, Iveco and Honda. In addition to generators, Fogo also offers motor pumps, blowers and photovoltaic panels. Whereas Canpack, which operates in 19 countries worldwide – including Morocco – is a Kraków-based company that produces metal packaging for the food and chemical industries. It has more than 30 years of experience in the market and produces around 26 billion cans each year, and sells them to more than 100 countries. In 2019, exports accounted for as much as 86% of revenues for Canpack, which operates with a sustainable development policy and is committed to environmental initiatives.
Vistal Gdynia is establishing its business presence in Algeria. The company is a leading manufacturer of steel structures, which has been active on the European market since 1991. Vistal Gdynia is a company with a strong position in the industry. It specialises in steel structures for the construction, energy and shipbuilding industries and has over 30 years of experience to show for it. As for Izodom, it is a manufacturer of energy-efficient houses that significantly reduce CO2 emissions. The company operates in Morocco and Zambia and other countries. Their energy-efficient houses are built on a system with about 100 different components. They can be combined to achieve a specific size and shape of house. The Izodom elements can be used for all kinds of buildings: from multi-storey blocks of flats to detached houses.
Polish companies, including those in the chemical and energy sectors that decide to export to Africa, spend a lot of time getting to know new markets that are different from the European ones. This requires some work that a company has to do on its own and investing in the necessary permits. The Foreign Trade Offices of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIiIZ) can provide assistance in finding suitable intermediaries and contacts in local markets. Financial support for companies wishing to establish their presence on these markets is in turn offered by BGK and the Export Credit Insurance Corporation (KUKE).
The Polish-African Economic Forum will provide an opportunity to establish new contacts and gain valuable know-how about individual markets. The event will take place on 28 March 2022 as part of Poland’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai.
