The African Development Bank (AfDB) hosted a Business Opportunities Seminar (BOS) in Tunis from November 13-14, 2012. The BOS was well attended with over 100 participants from the private sector, representing both the Bank's regional and non-regional member countries.

The first part of the seminar was devoted to presentations and discussions on how to do business with the African Development Bank and included information on the Bank's structure, roles and responsibilities, Bank Group policies and operations, as well as procurement rules and procedures. It provided a platform for participants to have a better understanding of the business and procurement prospects linked to Bank-financed operations in Africa.

The second part of the seminar focused on group sessions on potential country operations and business opportunity exchanges in various sectors, including water and sanitation, transport, energy and climate change, private sector, agriculture, health and education.

The presentations and exchanges with Bank staff were greatly appreciated by the participants, who found them highly informative. The goal of the seminar is to pave the way for further participation of firms or individuals in the implementation of Bank-financed projects, programs and studies.

The African Development Bank plans to promote Business Opportunity Seminars in Regional Member Countries. These seminars aim to increase the participation of the business community in Bank Group-financed operations and other public-private partnership opportunities. They are also intended to strengthen partnerships between the AfDB and the business sector in both regional and non-regional member countries. The event was organized by the Partnerships and Cooperation Unit (ORRU).