Exploring opportunities in the rest of Africa is no longer an option, it is a vital imperative. This is the view of Martyn Davies, CEO of Frontier Advisory, a research and strategy consultancy that helps companies improve competiveness in emerging market economies.

Davies is one of several speakers who will be discussing the topic ‘Taking Your Business into Africa’ at a business breakfast hosted by the South African International Trade Exhibition (SAITEX) at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg on 1 July. The business breakfast is being presented by the Consumer Goods Council of South Africa (CGCSA).

Davies says, “The robust growth taking place in numerous economic hubs across Africa presents very attractive opportunities for business, particularly for consumer-facing industries.Economic growth for these regions is forecast at between 6% and 8% for 2013.”

Although breaking into markets and running operations in Africa can sometimes be challenging – the typical risk versus reward equation – Davies strongly believes there is still time to gain a ‘first-move’ advantage for industries and companies moving into Africa.

Adds Davies, “Early movers have the benefit of being there on the ground when markets begin to consolidate and formalise. Retailers then have the chance to tap into the growing trend of consumer spending driven by African commodity exports.”

Overcoming Challenges

Doing business in Africa can have its challenges; lack of knowledge or accurate data and research; bureaucracy in government institutions and lack of regional policy harmonisation and integration. There are ways of overcoming and bypassing these, which is the primary focus of Davies’ presentation. “Businesses need to be flexible and pragmatic when operating in African markets,’ concludes Davies.

The Business Breakfast programme includes a presentation on ‘The Rise of the African Consumer’ by Bill Russo, a Director of Mckinsey & Co, as well as a panel discussion on ‘How to Leverage Market Sector Trends in Africa.’

For more information on the ‘Taking Your Business into Africa’ Breakfast contact Catherine Larkin or Bonnita Becker from CVLC.

Tel: 011 789 7327 / 083 300 0331

Fax: 011 787 7865

Email: catherine@cvlc.co.za