African Executives Eye Trade Opportunities At Rajkot RBSM

Victor Yao Nyakey

The Federation of Indian Export Organisations (FIEO), in collaboration with the Government of Gujarat, is set to host a Reverse Buyer Seller Meet (RBSM) in Rajkot during the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference from January 10 to 13, 2026.

Among the distinguished invitees is Victor Yao Nyakey, journalist and a seasoned business leader with roles spanning Olal Group South Africa, Olal Ghana Limited, Bathale Group Ghana, and Quainford T Ventures in Tema. His participation underscores the growing importance of Africa–India trade relations and the opportunities this event presents for African executives.

FIEO’s history is deeply rooted in India’s export growth story. Established in 1965 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, FIEO was created as the apex body representing Export Promotion Councils, Commodity Boards, and Export Development Authorities.

Its mandate was to unify India’s export promotion efforts, provide a crucial interface between exporters and government institutions, and facilitate trade across borders. Over the decades, FIEO has grown into a powerful institution serving over 200,000 exporters across industries and services.

It has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s trade policy, guiding exporters through compliance with customs, GST, and international standards, and ensuring that India’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs) gain access to global markets.

The organisation’s success story lies in its ability to bridge the gap between Indian exporters and international buyers. By fostering B2B platforms, trade fairs, and reverse buyer-seller meets, FIEO has enabled Indian businesses to expand their global footprint. Its ISO 9001:2015 certification reflects its commitment to quality and consistency in service delivery.

With strong institutional backing from the Indian government, FIEO has become a trusted partner for exporters and buyers alike, ensuring that trade facilitation is seamless and mutually beneficial.

For African business executives, the Rajkot RBSM offers a unique opportunity to secure business deals directly with Indian exporters. The format of the event is designed to encourage matchmaking between buyers and sellers, allowing African companies to explore partnerships in engineering, textiles, agriculture, and manufacturing.

The Hosted Buyer Program further enhances participation by offering airfare reimbursements, making it financially viable for executives from across Africa to attend. With India’s MSME sector at the heart of this initiative, African businesses can tap into cost-effective, high-quality products while building long-term supply chain collaborations.

The timing of the event during the Vibrant Gujarat Regional Conference adds strategic value. Vibrant Gujarat has long been recognised as one of India’s most influential trade and investment platforms, attracting global participation and showcasing India’s economic dynamism. By aligning the RBSM with this conference, FIEO ensures maximum visibility for participants and creates an environment conducive to forging international partnerships.

The Indian government’s support has been instrumental in the perennial success of such events. Through initiatives like the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme, backed by the World Bank, the government has reinforced its commitment to strengthening India’s export ecosystem. This institutional support guarantees that events like the Rajkot RBSM are not one-off gatherings but part of a sustained effort to integrate Indian MSMEs into the global trade network.

For African executives such as Victor Yao Nyakey, participation in this event is more than a business trip; it is an opportunity to diversify suppliers, strengthen industrial partnerships, and position themselves within a global trade ecosystem.

By engaging directly with Indian exporters, African businesses can secure competitive deals, enhance their credibility, and open doors to new markets. The Rajkot RBSM thus stands as a bridge between Africa and India, promising mutual growth and prosperity through trade.