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Mr. David Du Toit, Software Developer with Knowledge
Base, told Capital that his company has a good
partnership with CBC, the sole distributor of civil
engineering CDs in Ethiopia from the South African
company, considered as one of the market leaders in
the business world. Knowledge Base, manufacturer of
CDs used for civil engineering, road construction and
building design, is expected to participate more in
business activities in Ethiopia. Du Toit said that
instead of distance marketing, the close partnership
between the two companies give a bright light to
invest in the Ethiopian market. He underlined the
importance of using up-to-date software, saying ”I
don’t think Ethiopian engineers will lack jobs as so
much development is yet to be done.”
The agreement between KBC and CBC is believed to be
favorable for Ethiopian engineers because the value of
the Birr against the Rand is balanced, which gives the
civil engineers a better deal in purchasing the CDs,
as they don’t have to use foreign currency. Du Toit
told Capital that his company is not only interested
in selling its products but also to support its
customers by giving consultancy services, a strategy
which has enabled Knowledge Base to acquire a
well-deserved reputation in Botswana, Lesotho,
Zimbabwe, as well as South Africa, where its products
are manufactured. |
The General Manager of CBC, W/o Rahel Kassa told
Capital that the civil engineering software that her
company provides from its partner is 50% cheaper,
suitable and efficient for the Ethiopian users. She
said that every year the company arranges a user group
meeting, to discuss issues relevant to the software
products. A half-day seminar organized by CBC for
Ethiopian engineers was held last Monday at the
Sheraton Addis. |
