Research projects
The Think Tank Doing Business in Africa is currently conducting several research projects on business in Africa. The researchers primarily pursue an empirical research approach in which interviews with experts play an integral role. The DBA team has already published results and will continue to develop and present new proven findings over the next few years for research and practice.
Market entry and internationalisation
What factors contribute to the success of German-African business partnerships? When do international companies localise their business activities in African markets? This particular work package has a dual focus: Firstly, it examines the criteria for the selection of African partners, factors for successful bilateral collaboration and the influence of cultural differences. Secondly, it concentrates on companies’ motives for internationalisation and approaches to localised market development in Africa.
Tech hubs and entrepreneurship
While tech and innovation hubs have emerged in many African countries over the past 15 years and are now omnipresent in the continent’s start-up ecosystem, there has been insufficient research into many key questions surrounding these hubs. One significant area of inquiry is the extent to which tech hubs in Africa make a real contribution to promoting entrepreneurship and how they can encourage entrepreneurship amongst marginalised groups. In addition, the DBA team examines various issues relating to entrepreneurship, entrepreneurs and the ecosystem.
New technologies and business models
This topic raises many relevant talking points about the use of new technologies within business in Africa. The researchers are examining operational activities along the value chain and the ways in which new technologies can simplify them in order to better cope with the often challenging circumstances on the ground. They are also looking into the potential of new digital business models in Africa.
Go2Market and sales
Business research on Africa often lacks practice-oriented analyses into how companies can transform market opportunities into concrete go-to-market strategies. Based on interviews with African and German companies, the think tank’s researchers empirically investigate the following questions, among others: Which distribution channels are most effective for tapping into African markets and different customer segments? How can companies overcome (distribution) logistics challenges in Africa, for example through the use of new technologies?
Other research topics
In addition to the above-mentioned focal points, other topics complement the research agenda of the DBA team:
- Geopolitics and international business, in particular China’s involvement in Africa and the implications for companies
- Africa’s role for DAX companies
- Skilled workers in Africa
- Bottom-of-the-pyramid business in Africa (Africapitalism)
