Africa's Quest for e-Commerce Focus of QuestNet Four-day Anniversary Celebration
QuestNet, a leading network marketing and global e-commerce company, recently held a four-day event that culminated in the grand finale of the company's ten year anniversary celebrations. The event, which was attended by the Ugandan Prime Minister Apolo Robin Nsibambi, was the latest chance to speak about QuestNet's goal of bringing the joys of eCommerce to Africa.
(PRWEB) December 11, 2008 -- The reasons businesses and governments want to bring e-commerce to African countries are plentiful: improved consumer options, improved business for local companies and improved relations with the rest of the business world.
QuestNet directors pose with Uganda's Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry Honourable Janat Mukwaya (centre), Dr James Mulwana (left of Honourable Janat Mukwaya). Former German Ambassador to Uganda, Klaus E. P. Holderbaum (third from left) and QuestNet UAE Agent, Mr Tariq Al Yousefi (far right) Copyright © QuestNet / 2008. All rights reserved. Visit www.quest.net for more information.
Unfortunately, the obstacles within the continent are just as numerous: lack of infrastructure, limited connectivity in rural areas, social and political issues, credit card and payment problems, as well as trading and logistical challenges.
Why Africa is struggling to achieve the same e-commerce benefit as more affluent areas in the world and how the continent can achieve it in the future was one of the focal points of a recent four-day event that QuestNet, a leading network marketing and global e-commerce company, held in Uganda. The event culminated with the grand finale of the company's ten year anniversary celebrations, which was the cause for the celebration.
The industry and training event was attended by many of dignitaries, including Ugandan Prime Minister Apolo Robin Nsibambi, who spoke to the congregation to officially close the event.
Africa's obstacles to overcome in implementing e-commerce were at the foreground of the event, ranging from infrastructure to connectivity challenges. All these have played their role in leaving the African continent fighting a losing battle against the rising challenge from Asia.
Internet connectivity has improved greatly in the past decade, but much work still needs to be done. As late as 1997, just 11 countries in Africa even had permanent Internet access. Today, all 54 countries can boast they are online in some capacity.
The problem lies in the reliability of the connectivity outside of the nation's capitals and other major cities. Approximately 75 percent of Africa's population lives in the rural areas and have limited or no access to the World Wide Web. This leads to Africa having a ratio of Internet user to non-user of about one to 250, as opposed to the rest of the world which is one out of 35.
The general consensus is the lack of development of reliable Internet and e-commerce is a detriment to Africa financial goals as it falls further behind more developed countries. The United Nations has publicly stated that building a telecommunications infrastructure is a key component to economic development.
But the scene isn't all gloomy. Tourism sites and companies have used e-commerce to improve business. With the Internet in every country, e-mail has become a typical form of transferring information. And even Internet café's have started springing up since the turn of the century.
Celebrating the successes and discussing the weaknesses were both on the menu at QuestNet's 10-year anniversary celebration. The event brought training and business opportunities to the African audience, with the core message being that of QuestNet's ethos of RYTHM: Raise Yourself to Help Mankind. This focus on serving others is apparent by the level of support at the event, where more than 1,500 Independent Representatives attended to listen to government and private sector speakers, business leaders and entrepreneurial and motivational trainers.
QuestNet is defying the infrastructure and logistic obstacles that stand between Africa and the online business world, breaking down the barriers to allow Africa a place on the world stage of e-commerce.
Reflecting the positive impact the event has had on the local economy, Uganda's Minister of Tourism, Trade and Industry Honourable Janat Mukwaya stated:
"Today marks an exciting time for the promotion of tourism and trade in Uganda. We have here today hundreds of people who have travelled from all over the world to take part in this wonderful event. You are also making an enhancement to our economy's growth with QuestNet's e-commerce platform. And that is something I am truly grateful for."
Apolo Robin Nsibambi, Prime Minister of Uganda, concluded the event with high praise for QuestNet. "(QuestNet is) in the business of creating unity around the world, and this week you have brought together your global family. This is a people business based changing your outlook on life, and belief in this business is what makes it thrive in Africa. You have provided a new platform for e-commerce business and the opportunity of achieving dreams for thousands of Africans."
About QuestNet
QuestNet provides business opportunities to individuals in 162 countries through the Internet by empowering them with training, communications and business tools. QuestNet exploits advanced e-commerce platforms and enables its community members with Information Technology knowledge and tools. QuestNet distributes wellness products, luxury watches and jewellery, telecom services, holiday memberships and limited edition coins and medallions. For more details, visit www.quest.net.
Media Contact:
Adrian Pooley
Marketing Communications Manager - QuestNet
Direct Line: +66 2 207 3808
Mobile: +6685 070 6532
Email: adrian@quest.net
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