1. ITALIA-AFRICA BUSINESS
FORUM 2015
Emmanuel Excel OGBEIDE
GLOBAL TEMPLATE ON
DOING BUSINESS IN
AFRICA
JUNE 24-25, 2015

2. WHY AFRICA?
Endless Opportunities in Africa
You need Africa / Africa needs you

3. INTRODUCTION
Africa is a BLACK, BEAUTIFUL and
THE MOST AMAZING CONTINENT TO
EXPLORE.
Why Africa?

4. MARKET STRUCTURE
Africa is currently the WORLD’S BIGGEST MARKET because:
“According to the World
Population Data Sheet
2014, By 2050, Africa is
projected to increase to 2.4
billion from 1.1 billion today,
making it the region with the
largest population growth.”
• It is fertile for business/investment
Why Africa?
• It is the choice destination for investors.
• Most of the KEY industries are at their infancy

5. NIGERIA – an opportunity story
• Largest western African economy.
• Large well educated and hardworking population.
• Rich in human and natural resources.
• A land of endless opportunities.
According to Forbes 2015 list, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, worth $15.7billion
(Manufacturer of cement, sugar & flour), is the number 1 on the list of Africa
richest men. Two Nigerians also made the list– Mike Adenuga ($4.6billion,
Telecomms & Oil) and Folunsho Alakija (stated as the richest black
woman, worth $2.5billion).
Why Africa?

6. Africa as a virgin land offers growth opportunities in many industry sectors.
The Chinese knew this and they came in first.
• Africa consumes over 60 percent of imports from EUROPE,
ASIA AND AMERICA.
Why Africa?
• Africa is now rated the second most attractive investment destination
in the world.
• Investors prefer to invest in productive economies where they ultimately
would have good returns for their investment.
• Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Africa has increased significantly
over the last decade and this trend is set to continue, but the decision on
where to invest in this vast and diverse continent can prove challenging.
AFRICA IS THE MOST VIABLE AND
BIGGEST MARKET.

7. • Research
 Know Your Customers & Competitors (KYCC) and out-do them.
Subscribe to relevant Industry publications
 Do your due diligence and partner search
• Market Penetration
 Africa market is peculiar: what works elsewhere might fail here in Africa.
 Take advantage of joint ventures and collaborations.
ESTABLISHING IN AFRICA
• Building relationship with your immediate environment
 Be actively involved in selfless community activities or support them:
(Do your corporate Social Responsibilities)
• Get consultancy and technical assistance
 Seek business advisory support from competent local consultants with track
records and vast industry experience.
 Network with relevant trade support institutions and associations.

8. ESTABLISHING IN AFRICA
• Take advantage of modern technologies
 Importing of advance machinery, equipments and tools.
 Social media
• Learn the language, culture & tradition of the community
• Take advantage of available Government incentives
 Research and know Government policies – tax waiver, tax reduction, access to
land, import duty rebate and lots more.
• Take advantage of pioneer industries/products
 Real estate development, agriculture & food processing, power & energy,
mining etc.
• Think global, act local
 Localize your thinking and follow the golden rule by satisfying your clients .
• Imbibe the culture of excellent customer service
 Value added service.
 Affordability
Speed in service delivery

9. CHALLENGES
See problems as opportunities to learn, grow &
earn more....

10. CHALLENGES IN DOING BUSINESS
IN AFRICA
• Poor state of infrastructure (Electricity & Transportation)
• Corruption & Insecurity
• Shortages of skilled labour
• Poor government regulations & trade policies
• Negative publicity: A success story in Africa doesn't interest any media. They
are so eager and hungry for horrible stories from Africa.
• No trace database to fall back on.
• Lack of finance
• Time Management
•High level of ignorance
•Unhealthy competition due to superstition

11. SUMMARY
 Africa is a land of opportunities with endless possibilities, an emerging market, the
investors heaven, the right place to turn to this time of recession when Europe, America
and Asia have reached their climax.
 The key sectors of Africa are still at their infancy stages.
 We portray Africa in the positive light as against what the media has portrayed it to
be!
Thank you to Dr. Antonio Ragusa, Founding President of Rome Business
School and his wonderful management team for creating this platform to bridge
the gap and match make entrepreneurs and investors in Africa and Europe.
I also thank all the participants and guest speakers at the conference.
LOOKING FORWARD TO GIVING YOU THE NEEDED SUPPORT
TO ACHIEVE YOUR BUSINESS PURSUIT IN ESTABLISHING A
STRONG BRAND IN AFRICA.

12. Your s
i n- Entreprenuership
Em m an ue l Ex ce l OGBEIDE
C E O , B u s i n e s s B u i l d e r s L i m i t e d
w w w . b u s i n e s s b u i l d e r s l i m i t e d . c o m