Franchise Forum/Training/Expo Hosted by the U.S. Embassy in South Africa and the Franchise Association of Southern Africa

April 18, 2007

On May 2, 3 and 4, the U.S. Embassy in South Africa and the Franchise Association of Southern Africa (FASA) will be co-hosting a series of activities to promote the franchising industry in the region. 

These activities will take place against the backdrop of the 24th International Franchise and Entrepreneur Exhibition, taking place at the Sandton Convention Center in Johannesburg from May 3 to May 5. 

Economic and regulatory officials from SADC governments will travel to Johannesburg for technical training by the International Franchise Association (IFA) based in Washington, D.C., FASA and other franchising experts.  This training will highlight the role of franchising in sustainable economic development and will focus on the creation of an enabling environment for franchises to thrive. 

The meetings in May will also be attended by a delegation of American franchise companies organized by the IFA.  These companies are all well-established in their fields in the United States and beyond and represent a number of industries, including: professional cleaning services for offices or institutions, home repair, restaurants, business management, personalized printing, batteries and pet grooming franchises.  All have proven business models that are transferable to this region. 

The spread of franchising in Mauritius will provide employment and economic growth.  No one will benefit more from this growth than the local entrepreneurs who grasp the potential of specific franchise models for the betterment of their communities. 

The U.S. Embassy in Port Louis invites the Mauritian business community to participate in these exciting franchising events in Johannesburg.

For more information on these franchising opportunities, please contact: Shariff Jathoonia (tel: 202-4464; e-mail: jathoonisx@state.gov) at the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis or Conference Coordinator Alison Notley (tel: +27-28-840-0158, e-mail: hoghill@telkomsa.net).