Kampala — Hong Kong-based network marketing group QuestNet is to open an agency office in East Africa.

The agency office will act as a springboard to supply and offer technical support to its agents throughout Africa, a top official has said.

"We have local agents in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania who import our products. But we are exploring the idea of setting up an office in East Africa," said Ms. Donna Imson, the Executive Chairperson QuestNet.

"The office is meant to support the existing structures but it will start as support for East Africa and later the entire continent."

Ms. Imson was in Kampala and Dar es Salaam recently to train women on network marketing and the opportunities it offers. In Uganda, the training drew 1,400 people; among them QuestNet agents and sales representatives but the majority of them were women.

"Women want to do business, they want to be in business but have challenges because they are women," Imson said. She said QuestNet wants to empower women by teaching them how to succeed in business. While the training sessions cannot be as regular as she would like, she advises that women need to echo the things they learn among themselves and to encourage each other.

She encouraged the women to join QuestNet saying it offers new opportunities to create wealth.

"Look at me, a few years ago I was in the house looking after the children and not thinking about anything else. But because of QuestNet, I have created a career I never dreamed of, I am out here traveling the world and free financially," Imson said.

She said all one needs to be successful at network marketing is by building relationships.

Imson said that with the recession getting many people out of their jobs as companies downsize, network marketing is poised to work even better and is a good opportunity for those out of a job.

Imson said that in Africa, the internet is opening up network.

QuestNet offers a full range of wellness and lifestyle products, including scientifically proven skin and body care products, telecommunication solutions, jewellery and vacation packages. The bio-disc is one of its popular products. QuestNet is soon adding nutrition products.