Doing business in Africa

Africa is the second largest continent in the world, with a growing population, increased focus on reducing business bureaucracy, entrepreneurship, e-commerce alone is expected to reach $300bn by 2025.

African markets are becoming increasingly integrated with the adoption of innovative technology. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) aims to liberalise trade within a market of $2.5tn and 1.3 billion people. It is the world’s largest free trade zone by number of participating countries.

The historical focus on extraction industries is changing. Africa is rapidly seeing growth in the areas of Fintech, Infrastructure, Agriculture, Finance, Green Economy, Telecoms and the digital economy. A growing middle class is fuelling the customer focused Fast Moving Consumer Goods market.

Like every continent Africa has its issues. Poverty levels remain stubbornly high, education, health, governance and tax systems are still developing. But the opportunities to support and guide businesses are significant.

From investors and start-ups, governments and aid agencies to multinationals corporations, RSM can guide businesses through managing the risks associated with business in the region, providing administration, tax and regulatory compliance support, undertaking due diligence or auditing operations.