subject: Top Tips For Doing Business In Africa By Vladimir Kokorev [print this page] 1. Africa is not one country there is no one-size-fits-all approach
Make sure you are familiar with the cultural, economic and political specifics of each African state you bring your business to. South Africa is a modern industrial power, while countries like Angola, Sudan and Equatorial Guinea are experiencing spectacular economic growth stimulated by the expansion of their oil extraction capacity.
Other countries live off agriculture, self-subsistence and international aid, with Mediterranean Africa being heavily influenced by Arab and Islamic culture. Make sure you know your audience!
2. Always start by contacting the official channels.
If you have worked in a diplomatic service or a company with branches in Africa, administrative officials will often have a more favourable opinion of you, making it easier to obtain the necessary contacts. Many Americans and Europeans start businesses in Africa after working as NGO volunteers.
3. Make sure your business brings something to the region.
In the end you will be judged not by your words or promises, but by what you actually do. Unlike Europeans, African people are not won over by advertising and marketing techniques, but by results.
4. Be prepared to spend a lot of your time there.
If you want your business to be a success, you have to be around especially in the early days. Directing your business from a distance brings the danger that you will lose touch with whats really happening.
5. Get a business partner
Unavoidably, there will be times when youre out of the country. In tropical Africa the recommended period of stay for Europeans is about three months per visit. Each week over this increases your chance of catching illnesses like malaria. Find an alter ego someone who can be you whilst you are away.
