After two inspiring days of events focused on strengthening Scotland–Africa business ties, I’m leaving energised, hopeful, and deeply encouraged by the growing momentum between our regions. For APGB, a boutique consultancy committed to building meaningful bridges between Scottish and African markets, these conversations reaffirm the growing appetite for cross-border collaboration , responsible investment , and inclusive business growth across Africa . How These Conversations

For international companies exploring opportunities in Africa, selecting the right boutique consultancy firm is a critical step. Many organisations begin with desk research, reviewing reports, analysing datasets, and studying regulatory frameworks. While this information provides a helpful foundation, it cannot replace the value of local knowledge, cultural intelligence, and direct engagement with real stakeholders . APGB Boutique Consultancy helps companies enter African ma

Expanding into African markets presents exciting opportunities for businesses, but success often depends on forging strong local...

Entering a new market without confirming demand can lead to costly mistakes. African markets offer vast opportunities, but they also come with unique challenges. Testing demand before launching your product or service in Africa helps you avoid risks and tailor your offering to local needs. This post explains how to validate market demand effectively in African countries, using practical steps and real examples. Understand the Market Landscape Before testing demand, gather det

As one of the fastest-growing regions in the world, Africa presents unique opportunities for businesses looking to expand their operations. With a youthful population, increasing urbanization, and evolving consumer preferences, understanding how to successfully enter the African market is crucial for long-term success. In this post, we’ll explore effective strategies for market entry in Africa and key considerations for businesses. 1. Understanding the African Market Landscap

Market-entry strategies often begin with desk research reports, statistics, and trend analyses. While these sources are useful for direction, they provide only part of the picture . When companies consider expansion into African markets, relying solely on documents can lead to miscalculations, unrealistic timelines, and misunderstood expectations. The Limits of Desk Research Desk research rarely captures: Informal market dynamics Local decision-making norms Trust-based busine

For many international businesses, the first piece of advice they hear about entering an African market is: “It’s all about who you know.” Relationships are indeed vital Africa is a relationship-driven continent where trust, reputation, and personal networks open doors. But in 2025, connections alone are no longer enough . What truly separates sustainable ventures from short-lived experiments is execution excellence , regulatory compliance , and strong governance . At APGB,

If You Want to Be Efficient Entering the African Market, Misconceptions About Doing Business in Africa Need to Be Removed Africa is often perceived through a lens of misconceptions that can hinder serious investors and development partners from recognizing its true potential. Many believe it to be a single, homogenous market an oversimplification that ignores the continent’s incredible diversity. Others assume that investment opportunities are limited, or that challenges such

The Digital Shift SMEs Cannot Ignore Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are the heartbeat of Africa’s economy, accounting for over...

While others see African SMEs as risky and fragmented, APGB sees them as high-potential growth engines that simply lack structured...

Last week, the APGB team had the incredible honour of being invited by Africa Women in Trade (AWT) to share our presentation on "Winning...

Why Global Businesses Can’t Afford to Ignore Local Context in Mozambique & Angola In today’s interconnected world, expanding into new...

Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored why Lusophone Africa particularly Angola and Mozambique is capturing the attention of...

At APGB Boutique Consultancy , we keep a close watch on the shifting dynamics of Lusophone Africa — and Mozambique is clearly stepping...

While global firms are fixated on saturated markets and familiar territories, a quiet transformation is underway and it’s unfolding in...

Evidence and Insights Expanding into Lusophone Africa, home to vibrant economies like Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and...

Angola is rapidly emerging as a prime destination for investment in Africa. With a diversifying economy and government-backed...

Lusophone Africa, which includes Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé & Príncipe, presents a wealth of...

Lusophone Africa, comprising Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé & Príncipe, presents a significant yet often...

Expanding into a new market presents exciting opportunities, but it also comes with significant risks. Without the right partnerships,...