{"id":9008,"date":"2026-03-23T13:49:56","date_gmt":"2026-03-23T12:49:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ic-steiermark.at.w02242c6.kasserver.com\/news\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\/"},"modified":"2026-11-03T12:21:17","modified_gmt":"2026-11-03T11:21:17","slug":"africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies","status":"publish","type":"news","link":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\/","title":{"rendered":"Africa is not a country \u2013 Export Academy highlighted opportunities for Styrian companies"},"content":{"rendered":"    <div id=\"logo-bar-block_b43155daf06d758376d28ac7732873d1\" class=\"module module-logo-bar -0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n            \n                            <div class=\"logos-slider\">\n                                                                    <a class=\"logo-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/das-ics\/service\/digem-digital-gateway-emerging-markets\/\" target=\"_self\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/ics_digem_logo_rgb-400x87-1.png\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                        <\/a>\n                                                                                        <a class=\"logo-item\" href=\"https:\/\/european-union.europa.eu\/index_de\" target=\"_self\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/1b605e1c-7993-4dcf-b9bd-ee5688606f5a-400x84-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                        <\/a>\n                                                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"standard-text-block_76acc9f937a950c9ff45ae874fce64e9\" class=\"module module-standard-text -0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n            <div class=\"standard-text-box pt-4  \">\n                <div class=\"standard-text-content\">\n                                        \n                                                                        <div class=\"editor\"><p>This was precisely the message at the heart of the Export Academy <strong>&#8220;Africa is not a country&#8221;<\/strong>, organised by <strong>ICS <\/strong>on <strong>March 17, 2026 as part of the EU co-funded project Digital Gateway Emerging Markets (DiGEM)<\/strong>. <strong>Twelve Styrian companies<\/strong> had the opportunity to learn about economic developments, market potential and concrete business opportunities on the African continent.<\/p>\n<p>As project manager, Alexandra Kohrgruber was responsible for the organisational implementation and moderated the workshop.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Regional perspectives: North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Two renowned Africa experts provided practical insights:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Edith Predorf<\/strong>, an expert on <strong>Sub-Saharan Africa<\/strong>, used practical examples to show what opportunities dynamic markets south of the Sahara offer international companies and which typical misjudgements should be avoided when entering the market.<\/li>\n<li><strong>North Africa<\/strong> expert<strong> Dr. Karim Zaki <\/strong>provided insights into economic developments and growth sectors in countries such as Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Egypt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Strategically important markets such as South Africa, Morocco, Egypt, Kenya and Nigeria were also highlighted, as they are considered regional economic hubs and account for a large share of intra-African trade.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"gallery-block_1b9e35eb314a1a0759afa6483a4d28c2\" class=\"module module-gallery -0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n                            <div class=\"gallery-grid row g-2 justify-content-center\">\n                                            <div class=\"col-6 col-lg-4 col-xl-3 gallery-item-col\">\n                            <a class=\"gallery-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00020-420x280-1.jpeg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-block_1b9e35eb314a1a0759afa6483a4d28c2\" aria-label=\"\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"420\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00020-420x280-1.jpeg\" class=\"gallery-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00020-420x280-1.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00020-420x280-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00020-420x280-1-400x267.jpeg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"col-6 col-lg-4 col-xl-3 gallery-item-col\">\n                            <a class=\"gallery-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2884-420x280-1.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-block_1b9e35eb314a1a0759afa6483a4d28c2\" aria-label=\"\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"420\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2884-420x280-1.jpg\" class=\"gallery-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2884-420x280-1.jpg 420w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2884-420x280-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2884-420x280-1-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"col-6 col-lg-4 col-xl-3 gallery-item-col\">\n                            <a class=\"gallery-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2836-420x280-1.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-block_1b9e35eb314a1a0759afa6483a4d28c2\" aria-label=\"\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"420\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2836-420x280-1.jpg\" class=\"gallery-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2836-420x280-1.jpg 420w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2836-420x280-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2836-420x280-1-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"standard-text-block_6d4aaec52cf03bfa07314def53ce7ad4\" class=\"module module-standard-text -0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n            <div class=\"standard-text-box pt-4  \">\n                <div class=\"standard-text-content\">\n                                        \n                                                                        <div class=\"editor\"><p><strong>Success factor: understanding market dynamics<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A key takeaway from the Academy: successful business in African markets depends not only on technology or price, but largely on understanding local market dynamics and cultural specifics. As Edith Predorf emphasised: <em>&#8220;The greatest danger when entering the African market is not corruption, infrastructure or politics \u2013 but false assumptions.&#8221;<\/em> Trust, personal relationships and long-term partnerships play a decisive role in many African markets.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Exchange and practical discussion<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>In the subsequent World Caf\u00e9, participants discussed key success factors for business activities in Africa together with the experts \u2013 from local partner networks and market entry strategies to cultural specifics in cooperation.<\/p>\n<p>The open exchange made it clear: many Styrian companies are already engaging intensively with new growth markets and increasingly see Africa as a strategically interesting region for the future.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"gallery-block_968242a94fcf6714f58cc11f14613c2e\" class=\"module module-gallery -0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n                            <div class=\"gallery-grid row g-2 justify-content-center\">\n                                            <div class=\"col-6 col-lg-4 col-xl-3 gallery-item-col\">\n                            <a class=\"gallery-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2892-420x280-1.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-block_968242a94fcf6714f58cc11f14613c2e\" aria-label=\"\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"420\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2892-420x280-1.jpg\" class=\"gallery-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2892-420x280-1.jpg 420w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2892-420x280-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2892-420x280-1-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"col-6 col-lg-4 col-xl-3 gallery-item-col\">\n                            <a class=\"gallery-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2893-420x280-1.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-block_968242a94fcf6714f58cc11f14613c2e\" aria-label=\"\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"420\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2893-420x280-1.jpg\" class=\"gallery-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2893-420x280-1.jpg 420w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2893-420x280-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2893-420x280-1-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"col-6 col-lg-4 col-xl-3 gallery-item-col\">\n                            <a class=\"gallery-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2770-420x280-1.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-block_968242a94fcf6714f58cc11f14613c2e\" aria-label=\"\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"420\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2770-420x280-1.jpg\" class=\"gallery-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2770-420x280-1.jpg 420w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2770-420x280-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2770-420x280-1-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"col-6 col-lg-4 col-xl-3 gallery-item-col\">\n                            <a class=\"gallery-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2771-420x280-1.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-block_968242a94fcf6714f58cc11f14613c2e\" aria-label=\"\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"420\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2771-420x280-1.jpg\" class=\"gallery-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2771-420x280-1.jpg 420w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2771-420x280-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2771-420x280-1-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"col-6 col-lg-4 col-xl-3 gallery-item-col\">\n                            <a class=\"gallery-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2819-420x280-1.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-block_968242a94fcf6714f58cc11f14613c2e\" aria-label=\"\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"420\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2819-420x280-1.jpg\" class=\"gallery-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2819-420x280-1.jpg 420w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2819-420x280-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2819-420x280-1-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"col-6 col-lg-4 col-xl-3 gallery-item-col\">\n                            <a class=\"gallery-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2853-420x280-1.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-block_968242a94fcf6714f58cc11f14613c2e\" aria-label=\"\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"420\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2853-420x280-1.jpg\" class=\"gallery-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2853-420x280-1.jpg 420w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2853-420x280-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/img_2853-420x280-1-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"standard-text-block_ad5329cc735952a14310b62d9e27f50b\" class=\"module module-standard-text -0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n            <div class=\"standard-text-box pt-4  \">\n                <div class=\"standard-text-content\">\n                                        \n                                                                        <div class=\"editor\"><p>Support through DiGEM<\/p>\n<p>The event concluded with an overview of current funding opportunities for internationalisation. In addition to the internationalisation initiative <strong>go-international<\/strong>, <strong>DiGEM<\/strong> was presented in particular.<\/p>\n<p>The project supports Styrian companies in entering growth markets with <strong>funding of up to 75% for consulting services<\/strong>, for example for market diversification, digitalisation or international recruitment of skilled workers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Export Academy made it clear: <strong>Africa is not a single market \u2013 but a diverse continent with numerous opportunities for internationally active companies.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Those who understand regional differences, build local partnerships and think long term can tap into attractive business opportunities in many African markets<\/p>\n<p>Would you like to apply for funding under <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/das-ics\/service\/digem-digital-gateway-emerging-markets\/\">Digital Gateway Emerging Markets<\/a>?<\/p>\n<p>Take the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.exportknowhow.at\/emerging-markets-fit-check\/\">Fit Check<\/a> now and contact us:<\/p>\n<p>Alexandra Kohrgruber | Project Manager DiGEM<br \/>T +43 316 601 275<br \/>E <a href=\"mailto:ak@ic-steiermark.at\">ak@ic-steiermark.at<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n                                                            <\/div>\n\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"gallery-block_ba67aaa9960d5ee14e78fac61335ed53\" class=\"module module-gallery -0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n                            <div class=\"gallery-grid row g-2 justify-content-center\">\n                                            <div class=\"col-6 col-lg-4 col-xl-3 gallery-item-col\">\n                            <a class=\"gallery-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20260317_121259-420x280-1.jpg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-block_ba67aaa9960d5ee14e78fac61335ed53\" aria-label=\"\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"420\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20260317_121259-420x280-1.jpg\" class=\"gallery-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20260317_121259-420x280-1.jpg 420w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20260317_121259-420x280-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/20260317_121259-420x280-1-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"col-6 col-lg-4 col-xl-3 gallery-item-col\">\n                            <a class=\"gallery-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00006-420x280-1.jpeg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-block_ba67aaa9960d5ee14e78fac61335ed53\" aria-label=\"\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"420\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00006-420x280-1.jpeg\" class=\"gallery-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00006-420x280-1.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00006-420x280-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00006-420x280-1-400x267.jpeg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                            <div class=\"col-6 col-lg-4 col-xl-3 gallery-item-col\">\n                            <a class=\"gallery-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00011-420x280-2.jpeg\" data-fancybox=\"gallery-block_ba67aaa9960d5ee14e78fac61335ed53\" aria-label=\"\">\n                                <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"420\" height=\"280\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00011-420x280-2.jpeg\" class=\"gallery-img\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00011-420x280-2.jpeg 420w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00011-420x280-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00011-420x280-2-400x267.jpeg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 420px) 100vw, 420px\" \/>                            <\/a>\n                        <\/div>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"links-downloads-block_ac8a55f941f99539c935bcd4c3899f2a\" class=\"module module-links-downloads -0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n                            <div class=\"bg-grey link-headline\">\n                    <h2>Links<\/h2>\n                <\/div>\n            \n                            <div class=\"links-downloads-list\">\n                                            <a class=\"links-downloads-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/das-ics\/service\/digem-digital-gateway-emerging-markets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n                            <span class=\"links-downloads-label\">\n                                DiGEM project page\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLearn more                                                            <\/span>\n                            <span class=\"links-downloads-icon is-link\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/arrow-left.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                            <\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                                            <a class=\"links-downloads-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.exportknowhow.at\/emerging-markets-fit-check\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n                            <span class=\"links-downloads-label\">\n                                Fit Check\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tTake the Fit Check now &amp; apply for the 75% direct grant!                                                            <\/span>\n                            <span class=\"links-downloads-icon is-link\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/arrow-left.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                            <\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"links-downloads-block_40487b83fb8ca8af26b6d4f6e3c7625a\" class=\"module module-links-downloads -0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n                            <div class=\"bg-grey link-headline\">\n                    <h2>Our next Export Academies<\/h2>\n                <\/div>\n            \n                            <div class=\"links-downloads-list\">\n                                            <a class=\"links-downloads-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/veranstaltungen\/exportfinanzierung-risikomanagement-in-wachstumsmaerkten\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n                            <span class=\"links-downloads-label\">\n                                EXPORT ACADEMY | Export financing &amp; risk management in growth markets\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2026-04-29 | Graz                                                            <\/span>\n                            <span class=\"links-downloads-icon is-link\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/arrow-left.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                            <\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                                            <a class=\"links-downloads-item\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/veranstaltungen\/export-academy-smart-market-selection-ki-als-kompass-fuer-emerging-markets\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">\n                            <span class=\"links-downloads-label\">\n                                EXPORT ACADEMY | Smart Market Selection: AI as a compass for emerging markets\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t2026-05-20 | Graz                                                            <\/span>\n                            <span class=\"links-downloads-icon is-link\">\n                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/arrow-left.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                            <\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    <div id=\"contact-person-block_1f9502b7a9f91cce917a8054d04822df\" class=\"module module-contact-person -0\">\n        <div class=\"container trans\">\n            <div class=\"row g-0 gy-4 gx-lg-4\">\n                <div class=\"col-lg-6\">\n                    <div class=\"contact-person-text bg-dark max-height\">\n                                                    <h2 class=\"mb-2 mt-4\">Your contact at ICS<\/h2>\n                                                                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n\n                                    <div class=\"col-lg-6\">\n                        <div class=\"bg-grey contact-person-grid contact-person-grid--stacked  row g-0\">\n                                                            <div class=\"col-12 contact-person-card\">\n                                    <div class=\"contact-person-photo\">\n                                                                                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AG_Abigail-Garcia_hp.jpg\" class=\"contact-person-img\" alt=\"Abigail Garcia, ICS\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AG_Abigail-Garcia_hp.jpg 653w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AG_Abigail-Garcia_hp-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AG_Abigail-Garcia_hp-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AG_Abigail-Garcia_hp-400x399.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/>                                                                            <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"contact-person-info\">\n                                                                                    <p class=\"size-2 text-main fw-bold\">Abigail Garcia<\/p>\n                                                                                                                            <p class=\"team-position text-main\">Project Management DiGEM<\/p>\n                                                                                <div class=\"team-contact d-flex flex-column mt-1\">\n                                                                                            <a href=\"tel:+43%20316%20601%20408\">T +43 316 601 408<\/a>\n                                                                                                                                        <a href=\"tel:+43%20664%2083%20790%2092\">M +43 664 83 790 92<\/a>\n                                                                                                                                        <a href=\"mailto:abigail.garcia@ic-steiermark.at\">E abigail.garcia@ic-steiermark.at<\/a>\n                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                                                                    <a class=\"contact-person-linkedin mt-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/abigail-garcia-ics\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"LinkedIn\">\n                                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/linkedin-dark.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                                            <\/a>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                            <div class=\"col-12 contact-person-card\">\n                                    <div class=\"contact-person-photo\">\n                                                                                    <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Alexandra-Kohrgruber_ICS-hp.jpg\" class=\"contact-person-img\" alt=\"Alexandra Kohrgruber, ICS\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Alexandra-Kohrgruber_ICS-hp.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Alexandra-Kohrgruber_ICS-hp-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Alexandra-Kohrgruber_ICS-hp-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Alexandra-Kohrgruber_ICS-hp-400x400.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/>                                                                            <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"contact-person-info\">\n                                                                                    <p class=\"size-2 text-main fw-bold\">Alexandra Kohrgruber<\/p>\n                                                                                                                            <p class=\"team-position text-main\">Project Management, DiGEM<\/p>\n                                                                                <div class=\"team-contact d-flex flex-column mt-1\">\n                                                                                            <a href=\"tel:+43%20316%20601%20275\">T +43 316 601 275<\/a>\n                                                                                                                                        <a href=\"tel:+43%20664%208179369\">M +43 664 8179369<\/a>\n                                                                                                                                        <a href=\"mailto:alexandra.kohrgruber@ic-steiermark.at\">E alexandra.kohrgruber@ic-steiermark.at<\/a>\n                                                                                    <\/div>\n                                                                                    <a class=\"contact-person-linkedin mt-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/alexandra-kohrgruber\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"LinkedIn\">\n                                                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/themes\/ics\/img\/linkedin-dark.svg\" alt=\"\" \/>\n                                            <\/a>\n                                                                            <\/div>\n                                <\/div>\n                                                    <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":9009,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","location":[302],"news_category":[290,289,291],"class_list":["post-9008","news","type-news","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","location-africa","news_category-emerging-insights","news_category-latest-news","news_category-news-type"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Africa is not a country \u2013 Export Academy highlighted opportunities for Styrian companies - ICS Internationalisierungscenter Steiermark<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Africa is not a country \u2013 Export Academy highlighted opportunities for Styrian companies - ICS Internationalisierungscenter Steiermark\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"ICS Internationalisierungscenter Steiermark\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-11-03T11:21:17+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"http:\/\/ic-steiermark.at.w02242c6.kasserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00006.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2048\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1536\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/en\\\/news\\\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/en\\\/news\\\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\\\/\",\"name\":\"Africa is not a country \u2013 Export Academy highlighted opportunities for Styrian companies - ICS Internationalisierungscenter Steiermark\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/en\\\/news\\\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/en\\\/news\\\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/image00006.jpeg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-03-23T12:49:56+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-11-03T11:21:17+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/en\\\/news\\\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/en\\\/news\\\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/en\\\/news\\\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/image00006.jpeg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2026\\\/10\\\/image00006.jpeg\",\"width\":2048,\"height\":1536},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/en\\\/news\\\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/en\\\/home\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Africa is not a country \u2013 Export Academy highlighted opportunities for Styrian companies\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/\",\"name\":\"ICS\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.ic-steiermark.at\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Africa is not a country \u2013 Export Academy highlighted opportunities for Styrian companies - ICS Internationalisierungscenter Steiermark","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Africa is not a country \u2013 Export Academy highlighted opportunities for Styrian companies - ICS Internationalisierungscenter Steiermark","og_url":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\/","og_site_name":"ICS Internationalisierungscenter Steiermark","article_modified_time":"2026-11-03T11:21:17+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2048,"height":1536,"url":"http:\/\/ic-steiermark.at.w02242c6.kasserver.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00006.jpeg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\/","url":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\/","name":"Africa is not a country \u2013 Export Academy highlighted opportunities for Styrian companies - ICS Internationalisierungscenter Steiermark","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00006.jpeg","datePublished":"2026-03-23T12:49:56+00:00","dateModified":"2026-11-03T11:21:17+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00006.jpeg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/image00006.jpeg","width":2048,"height":1536},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/news\/africa-is-not-a-country-export-academy-highlighted-opportunities-for-styrian-companies\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/home\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Africa is not a country \u2013 Export Academy highlighted opportunities for Styrian companies"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/","name":"ICS","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/9008","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/news"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/9008\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9022,"href":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news\/9008\/revisions\/9022"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9009"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9008"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"location","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/location?post=9008"},{"taxonomy":"news_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ic-steiermark.at\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news_category?post=9008"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}