Fast growing consumer base: "Kinshasa to Lagos" has more than 200 million consumers (DRC 70m, Congo 4m, Cameroon 22m, Gabon 1.5m, Nigeria 100m) with similar cultural heritage, habits and influences. This fast growing consumer base presents tremendous opportunities for entrepreneurs in Central Africa, especially in consumer goods. This is particularly important because we believe successful products will be those capable of adapting to local cultures.
Supportive legal framework and business climate: The business environment is improving, with governments investing heavily in infrastructures such as energy, transportation and telecommunications (countries have already deployed 4G). In addition, most countries have adopted preferential regulatory and tax regimes for young companies, as well as investment promotion schemes. As for the legal framework, all countries have the same system of business laws (OHADA), making it easier to operate across borders.
Availability of appropriate relay financing: As signaled by the growing volume of equity funds raised for the continent by prominent PE firms, young and innovative companies with interesting prospects will be able to raise necessary relay capital to grow further. Combined with above factors, we are sure that promising businesses will be able to set up at very minimal costs, develop tax efficiently in a growing consumer market, and access appropriate relay financing when needed.