African potential should not be underestimated

International economic powerhouses should not underestimate the existing and growing potential in Africa. The US delegation visiting the continent would be well advised to approach future trade opportunities with an open mind, says Martin May regional director of Enterasys Networks Africa.

"Looking at things from a micro level, Enterasys has seen the potential which is growing in the region. Not only has the southern African region outperformed its previous targets, but we are now outperforming all but two regions in EMEA," says May.

While this in itself is hardly conclusive evidence, May says the growing economic potential is also being seen in terms of the size of the contracts awarded as well as the scope of the initiatives being undertaken.

"Judging by the nature of the projects we are being called in to tender for, I would say SA in particular, and Africa in general, is surging forward. Undertakings and initiatives by government are starting to bear fruit and the western economic areas would be well advised to take the continent seriously."

Initiatives such as the African Union will also see Africa make serious economic strides in the future.

"It won`t be long before Africa will be in a position to move away from the producer of raw goods and become a supplier of manufactured products. Countries like China and India have set themselves up as producers and current sentiment within IT circles is that Africa has the potential to do just the same."

May says large international players such as the US and EU should be looking to invest in the continent to achieve this rather than focusing on merely lowering trade tariffs on raw goods.

"Investing in industry other than mining and agriculture will see Africa take its place on the international stage. It will also place the continent in a position to fund its own growth and development and certainly make a start in righting the economic imbalance currently in place."