Target Sarl participated in Katanga Business Meeting which held from 24^th to 26^th may in Lubumbashi. The theme was ‘’Innovative development solutions for DRC’’, this meeting gathered 170 presenters from various fields. Serge Mumbu, Target’ General Manger explains here why Target participated in this event. 

1. Why did you choose to participate in?

Katanga Business Meeting is an event which held in Katanga mining region, one of the richest in DRC. It is one of the (former Katanga) region where we would like to develop business activities, and we considered KBM as an opportunity to meet business people and understand specificities of this region. On the other hands, KBM is a multi-fields event with more than 170 presenters from many countries so, the opportunities to meet and speak with many potential clients.

2. What are immediate outcomes Target got after its first participation to this event?

Our main goal for participating in this was networking. Increasing our contacts data base, meet more people, contact exchange, understand decisions makers’ problems and needs. It was also about to insure Target visibility in general and our publications particularly. Some companies were particularly attracted by our latest DRC media audience report but, also by impact studies among populations (population, suppliers, clients, employees, …)

3. What are the main challenges business people faced at KBM?

The main challenge business people is the downgrading of business activities due to political uncertainty. During this election, year, one does not know how things may turn and people are more expectative. Business environment also complains about more taxes and at times, less consideration of real expectations in some decisions (example the current mining code). During KBM, some acknowledged efforts made by the government to improve business climate in DRC while suggesting other solutions.

4. In which way Target could help face these challenges?

As a market research company, Target contribution is to help these companies growing within crisis environment generate revenue while saving costs. In terms of communication for example, our media audience allows optimise costs there by choosing best channels according to main targets. Within a business downgrading environment, companies should innovate and market research studies are good tools to understand and analyse best projects.

For example, I met the General Manager of a security firm from Kenya. He wants to open in Lubumbashi but, there are already other companies offering similar services. All idea he tried did not worked up to now. I advised him to better know local deader; identify their strengths and weaknesses in order to design good added value of his services.

KBM is an event where many presenters expose their companies and their activities. During the edition, an emphasis was led on networking, interactivity and innovation. To know more about this this, go to www.kbm-rdc.com.