Specialised African course for India Inc soon

Mumbai University’s Centre for African Studies is mulling over developing a specialised course in order to train the employees of corporate houses such as Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), World Trade Centre, and different pharmaceutical companies who are catering to the African market.

The department has plans to develop a short-term diploma course to help candidates understand socio-cultural and economic conditions of Africa, which has recently emerged as a potential market for Indian enterprises. The Centre is awaiting a nod from the academic council to start the course in the next year.

“We have been arranging several seminars for our students as part of our ongoing Masters’ course as well as PhD programmes. These seminars have brought us in touch with prominent industrial personalities who proposed such a course,” said Dr Aparajita Biswas, professor and director, Centre for African Studies, Mumbai University.

The course is likely to be called International Trade (Africa). “For the convenience of employees, the classes will be held over weekends. Other interested candidates will also be allowed to join the self-financed course,” she added.

Shumanto Chaudhury, a pharmaceutical consultant who has spent a significant amount of time in Africa understanding its core marketing techniques,  recommends the course. “Participants will understand Africa’s conditions, its history, how it has evolved etc. As a result, business will increase and the tie-ups will  benefit both sides,” said Chaudhury.