Feature of the Month
: Business in Africa
While the regions of Asia and Latin America are receiving major attention in the international business world, there is actually another continent on the verge of major growth. To the surprise of many, this continent is Africa. Over the past four years, foreign direct investment in Africa has grown at a compound rate of almost 20 percent. International businesses are realizing the large opportunities that Africa has to offer. While global companies expand into the region, local business has also begun to grow as self-confidence emerges among local African economies. Investments from local companies in Africa have expanded by 42 percent since 2007. If these trends continue, it might be time to rethink your assumptions about the continent of Africa.
Even though Africa seems to be emerging onto the global economic scene, there are several challenges that must be addressed if Africa wants to live up to its potential as an emerging market. Integration among countries in Africa and political stability are both very critical in accelerating sustainable growth for the continent. Bridging the infrastructure gap also remains a key challenge for growth and development. However, this challenge also provides opportunities at both the local and global levels. If Africa is able to overcome these challenges, the continent could become a key player in the competitive global economy.
Featured Resources
Lex Africa Business Guides
Lex Africa is a network of law firms in Africa. This site features business guides prepared by member law firms for a number of African countries. Each business guide features investment information, forms of business organizations, taxation, exchange control, tariffs, intellectual property issues, privatization issues and more.
Category: Trade Law
The African Development Bank Group
The African Development Bank Group is the premier financial development institution of Africa, dedicated to combating poverty and improving the lives of people of the continent. It is engaged in the task of mobilizing resources towards the economic and social progress of its regional member countries. This site provides publications, financial reports, topics on development issues and events information. The site is available in English and French.
Category: Organizations
Featured Academy
Doing Business in Africa
The Africa module introduces students to the region by focusing predominantly on Sub-Saharan African nations. This module does not address Northern African nations as these nations are technically part of the greater Middle East and have been discussed in another module. After reading this module, one should have a general understanding of the following: general issues in Africa that affect business prospects, business conduct in Senegal and Senegalese attempts to liberalize the economy, the emerging business climate in Rwanda and the role of women in the economy, a general understanding of the economic implications from the recent violence in Kenya, and how to conduct business in South Africa.
Category: Doing Business In
Academy of International Business (AIB)
The Academy of International Business (AIB) is the leading association of scholars and specialists in the field of international business. Established in 1959, AIB has over 3000 members from over 80 different countries. Members include scholars from many academic institutions as well consultants and researchers. The organization also publishes the Journal of International Business Studies, a leading international business journal.
Category: Professional Organizations
globalEDGE International Business Driver
Export Tutorials
In order to aid businesses in exporting their products abroad, globalEDGE has developed interactive "Export Tutorials." These tutorials guide users through many exporting topics to assist in the decision making process before engaging in international trade. Frequently asked questions about trading your products overseas are provided along with their answers. The tutorial is broken down into 5 major categories including: Export Readiness, Government Regulations, Financial Considerations, Sales and Marketing, and Logistics.
