A new organisation which intends to promote trade with countries in Africa will be launched in Auckland on Tuesday.
Between 2001 and 2010, six of the world's top 10 fastest growing countries were in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Africa Business Council, which has 18 members, will hold events where business people from those countries can network with New Zealand companies and vice-versa.
Council chairperson Chris Jones says people have traditionally underestimated trade with Africa.
He says there has been a traditional primary industry focus, but there is growth across other sectors such as energy, IT and a supply of a range of different products and services into various countries across the continent.
"Your typical players are Kenya, Ghana, Tanzania and then the North African countries and then you've got a power house in Nigeria."
Mr Jones says Foreign Affairs Minister and Trade Murray McCully will be at the launch, along with ambassadors from various African states.
