©Afreepress-(Lomé, Tuesday, 8^th Aug. 2017)- On Monday, 4th of August 2017, the “CETEF” organised a conference with Mr. Malick Ayeva as the Speaker at CETEF TOGO 2000. The theme, « Quelles strategies, trucs et astuces pour maximiser les ventes des produits « 100% MADE IN TOGO » dans un environment très concurrentiel? », was chosen to educate and enlighten the young Togolese entrepreneurs participating in the fair, on the ways and means that would enable them to grow in the Togolese entrepreneurial ecosystem where the Asian brands are strongly present.

He identified some problems being faced by people in the business field, some of which are, financial problems and competition in the market. According to him, an entrepreneur in the business field should have a target of earning 350 million cfa per annum, but this seem impossible in Togo. He expressed his concern on the fact that though people produce good products in Togo, they fail to sell their products well, and this is due to certain techniques or strategies which they have failed to adopt.

Mr. Ayeva also gave a number of strategies in which young entrepreneurs could adopt in order to be successful. These strategies include: Knowing the various categories of consumers and the perception they (entrepreneurs) want them (consumers) to have about their product, knowing the type of environment they are working in and the mentality of the people, evangelising their products to create awareness, applying digital strategies, practising lobbying, packaging their products very well and being aggressive and bold so as to sell well and fast.

He added that, a producer must be his product. This is to say that, people should see your product in you. When people see the passion you have for what you produce, they tend to show interest. He advised that entrepreneurs should publicise their products daily and not occasionally. This can be ensured by adopting different publicity techniques such as, creating fliers, door to door publicity, advertising through the media ( television, radio and so on) and the internet ( social media).

People were allowed to ask questions and even showcase their products to get more ideas from the Speaker.

Patricia I.