With low projected growth in the US and EU, and the realization that the BRIC countries won’t be able to do it all on their own, there is renewed interested in Africa. It is a continent with enormous potential with some of the fastest growing economies on the planet. However, for any company new to the African continent, there are a number of challenges to consider.

Infrastructure – Anybody that has tried to move goods from point A to point B in…

There is increased interest in micro distributors and the potential they hold within an inclusive business model. Well documented micro distribution models include the Coca-Cola MDC (Micro-distribution centre) in Africa and Unilever’s Shakti model in India. Micro distributors can be found in emerging markets where markets are fragmented and modern trade (e.g. Walmart, Tesco) is still in the very early stages of development. Below are a number of issues to consider when activating a micro…

There is increased interest in agriculture in Africa and in particular small holder farmers (SHF). SHF’s output remains low and is seen by many organizations to hold the key to chronic food shortages in Africa. For any suppliers looking to expand their footprint to access agro dealers servicing small holder farmers, there remain some key challenges.

Infrastructure – Infrastructure remains a key challenge as distances are great in African upcountry areas. According to…