A cornerstone of German cooperation, GIZ recently organised a major event in Yaoundé as part of the IYBA WE4A project, aimed at boosting women’s economic inclusion in the green economy across sub-Saharan Africa. The event showcased strategic expertise through Knowdys Consulting Group (KCG) and the African Centre for Competitive Intelligence (ACCI), reflecting GIZ’s reliance on local actors who master Africa’s market challenges and opportunities. This collaboration also highlights the trust placed in the ACCI by the project’s key partners — MINPMEESA, the EU, the OACPS, BMZ, and GIZ’s Regional Office in Cameroon.
Expertise Serving Performance
By entrusting the structuring and facilitation of its “Bridging Event” to Knowdys and the ACCI experts, Dr Guy Gweth and Ms Sharon Ngome, GIZ recognised that competitive intelligence is not a universal skill but an art rooted in intimate knowledge of local contexts and cultures. African competitive intelligence—practiced by Africans for Africa—goes far beyond mere information gathering. It requires a nuanced understanding of entrepreneurial dynamics, networks of influence, and socio-economic specificities. This was precisely the expertise brought to bear by the expert duo.
Their mission extended well beyond moderating a discussion. It involved designing a tailored strategy, navigating cultural and linguistic nuances, and ensuring the smooth running of a high-stakes event. The experts created an environment where every participant—from emerging women entrepreneurs to diplomatic representatives—could engage fully and contribute to the day’s success. By selecting these experts, GIZ demonstrated its belief that sustainable development and competitiveness in Africa must be conceived and implemented by the continent itself.
A Sustainable Model for the Future
The success of this collaboration between GIZ and African competitive intelligence experts sends a strong signal to all organisations, public or private, seeking to enter or expand in African markets. It shows that strategic partnerships with local actors possessing proven expertise are essential to turning ambitions into tangible results. The competitiveness of tomorrow cannot be achieved without competitive intelligence grounded in the realities of the continent. By leveraging the skills of Knowdys and the ACCI, GIZ is paving the way for a new model of cooperation based on knowledge sharing.
The Editorial Team
