Africa is a continent teeming with immense potential and abundant opportunities for multinational companies (MNCs) looking to expand their operations, harness top talent and be a part of the Mother Continent’s prosperity now and in the years ahead.
However, several myths and misconceptions persist about doing business, recruiting, hiring and managing a workforce in Africa. In this blog post, we will debunk the top 10 misconceptions and shed light on the reality of the African business landscape.
Debunking Myths vs. Reality
| Myth 1: Sparse Opportunity | Reality: Many people attending events like the World Economic Forum are often surprised when asked to estimate the number of African companies earning annual revenues of $1 billion or more. The common guess usually hovers around 50, indicating a perception of limited large-scale businesses on the continent.
However, the reality is quite different. According to the World Economic Forum, there are actually over 400 companies in Africa that currently generate annual revenues of $1 billion or more. These companies not only exist but also exhibit impressive growth rates and profitability that outperform their global peers on average. |
| Myth 2: Limited Talent and Skills | Reality: Africa boasts a pool of talented individuals who are highly educated and skilled. The continent is home to numerous universities and educational institutions that produce graduates proficient in various fields, including engineering, IT, finance and more. Additionally, Africa’s youthful population – with the median age just under 20 – brings fresh perspectives, innovation and adaptability to the workforce. |
| Myth 3: Corruption | Reality: While it is true that corruption exists in some parts of Africa, it is important to avoid generalizations. Many African countries have made significant strides in combating corruption and improving governance. According to the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International, most African countries have made significant progress in recent years in combating corruption and improving governance.
Additionally, MNCs can move through regulatory processes efficiently by partnering with reliable Employer of Record (EOR) services, like GoGlobal, which specialize in local compliance and can streamline administrative tasks. |
| Myth 4: Political Instability | Reality: Political stability varies across African countries but it is essential to note that the majority of nations in Africa have stable governments and thriving economies. It is crucial to assess each country individually rather than painting the entire continent with a broad brush.
Engaging with local experts and leveraging their knowledge can help MNCs make informed decisions regarding investment and expansion plans. |
| Myth 5: Weak Infrastructure | Reality: The infrastructure landscape in Africa is undergoing rapid transformation, despite challenges faced in certain regions. According to the latest report by the African Development Bank on Infrastructure Development in Africa, significant progress is being made across multiple African countries. This progress presents compelling opportunities for multinational companies (MNCs) to invest and contribute to the continent’s development, particularly in critical sectors such as transportation, energy and telecommunications.
While infrastructure gaps persist, they serve as potential avenues for MNCs to offer innovative solutions and generate value. By leveraging their expertise and resources, MNCs can play a crucial role in supporting Africa’s success. |
| Myth 6: Cultural Differences | Reality: Africa is a continent of diverse cultures and traditions, which can be perceived as a challenge for doing business. However, cultural diversity should be viewed as an opportunity for MNCs to embrace new perspectives, adapt their business models and foster innovation.
In the coming years, Africa is poised to gain increasing cultural significance on a global scale. Data from the United Nations reveals that the world’s population is projected to grow by approximately 2.2 billion people through 2050, with more than half of this growth expected to take place in Africa. This demographic trend highlights the growing influence and importance of Africa’s cultural landscape in shaping the future of the world. By respecting and understanding local customs, MNCs can build stronger relationships with employees, customers and stakeholders. |
| Myth 7: Language Barriers | Reality: Africa is home to a diverse range of languages, with over 1,500 distinct languages spoken across the continent. According to research published by Harvard University, Africa is home to one-third of the world’s languages.
While language diversity can pose a challenge, English, French, Portuguese and Arabic are widely spoken in many African countries. Moreover, language barriers can be overcome by hiring local talent who possess multilingual skills or utilizing translation services. Building a culturally diverse workforce can enhance communication and facilitate cross-cultural collaboration. |
| Myth 8: Lack of Technology and Innovation | Reality: Contrary to popular belief, Africa is experiencing a significant technological revolution – largely fueled by its young and tech-savvy population
The continent has witnessed rapid growth in mobile technology adoption and internet connectivity. Tech hubs and innovation centers have emerged across Africa, fostering entrepreneurship and driving technological advancements. From mobile banking solutions to renewable energy innovations, Africa is proving to be a hub of creativity and technological ingenuity. The-commerce industry, for example, is expected to generate annual revenue of $46.1 billion by 2025, according to Africa Business Communities. |
| Myth 9: Remote and Isolated | While Africa may seem geographically distant, it is far from being remote or isolated from global business opportunities. There is significant interest in Africa from international players across different regions:
China: Chinese companies are actively investing in Africa, driven by initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which fosters trade synergies and infrastructure development. According to Reuters, China has lent African countries hundreds of billions of dollars as part of BRI. Asia Pacific (APAC): Besides China, neighboring APAC countries are also recognizing Africa’s potential for growth and mutually beneficial partnerships. Europe: European companies, benefiting from similar time zones, find convenience in hiring African talent for functions like customer service and IT support. North America: Despite the geographical distance, companies from the US and Canada are eager to bring their products and expertise to be a part of Africa’s success story. Middle East and North Africa (MENA): Businesses from the MENA region, being geographically close and sharing cultural ties, see the strategic advantage of engaging with Africa and establishing strong economic relations. |
| Myth 10: Operations in Africa are Expensive | Reality: Contrary to the common belief that operating in Africa is expensive, the truth is that partnering with local experts can enable multinational companies (MNCs) to effectively establish teams and leverage the growing opportunities in Africa.
By collaborating with a trusted Employer of Record (EOR) like GoGlobal, MNCs can ensure compliance, streamline talent acquisition, manage payroll processing and benefits administration, mitigate risks and achieve scalable operations in Africa. Moreover, data compiled by GoGlobal’s Recruit & Hire team highlights that African workforces are among the most cost-effective globally, particularly for filling challenging roles in technology, sales and client services. |
Looking ahead: Africa rising
Africa is a continent on the rise. According to data from the World Bank, six of the world’s 10 fastest-growing economies are located on the Mother Continent.
Debunking common myths and understanding the reality of doing business, recruiting, hiring and managing a workforce in Africa are crucial for MNCs planning to expand and hire beyond borders. By dispelling misconceptions, MNCs can make informed decisions and capitalize on the immense potential and abundant opportunities that Africa offers.
From tapping into top talent and leveraging local expertise to navigating cultural nuances and cost-effectively building teams, partnering with reliable local experts like an EOR can be instrumental in achieving success in Africa.
With the right approach, MNCs can be part of Africa’s remarkable growth story and contribute to its ongoing development for years to come.
Contact us to talk with an international HR expert about expanding, recruiting and hiring in Africa.