During the period January to March 2008, four Pre-Round Table discussion forums were organized in four selected countries: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. The primary aim of these discussion forums was to provide a platform and opportunity to start a dialogue process between researchers, business entrepreneurs and policy makers to identify business opportunities, challenges and potential for partnership with European investors.

Most of the deliberations were devoted to stakeholders’ presentations and discussions of issues arising from them. The (sub-) sectors covered included horticulture, wood industry, tourism, mining, bio-fuel business, and information communication technology.