Doing business on the African continent: French-speaking countries in Africa
There are many reasons to do business on the African continent. The continent is rich in natural resources, has a rapidly growing population and is home to some of the fastest growing economies in the world. When doing business on the African continent, it is important to be aware of the various countries that speak French as an official language. These countries, known as French-speaking countries, can be found in many different regions of the African continent.
French-speaking countries can be found in North Africa, including
- Algeria
- Tunisia
Doing business in Francophone Africa
When doing business with French-speaking countries, it is important to consider cultural differences. For example, in many French-speaking countries, it is considered rude to refuse a gift. Business gifts are often given at the beginning of a business relationship and usually have a modest value. It is also important to be aware of the importance of personal relationships in business transactions. In French-speaking countries, it is not unusual for business to be conducted between friends or family members.
Economies and countries differ
Africa is not a country but a continent. Realize that. Francophone countries differ in economy, culture, religion and lifestyle of the people. The economy of Côte d'Ivoire, for example, is primarily based on agriculture; Senegal depends on tourism; while countries like Cameroon, Gabon and the Republic of Congo depend on the oil and gas industry. In countries such as Burkina Faso and Niger, mining is also gaining importance.
Foreign investment in Francophone Africa has historically been dominated by French companies. However, this trend is changing. Australian companies are investing in the mining sector, while companies from the Middle East and Asia are putting money into the agricultural sector. Investors from North Africa and English-speaking countries on the continent have also had their eye on the region.
Company culture
Like everywhere else in the world, Francophone African countries have their own unique business culture. The survey shows that "Francophones like dealing with people who can teach and coach them in a civilized manner, without arrogance, down to earth, and who are genuinely interested in the development of others."
A "leader culture" exists in many French-speaking regions, where people expect the head of the organization to have solutions to every problem. This is in contrast to countries like South Africa, where there is more emphasis on teamwork.
It is also important for foreign companies to have a positive impact on the communities where they operate. In addition, it is important to have local partnerships on the ground. In Francophone Africa, it's definitely something that will motivate people to look at you more seriously. A partner may have experience or knowledge on the ground that you don't have.
