Success in Africa: CEO Insights from a Continent on the Rise

by Jonathan Berman

In an era of slowing growth, Africa is home to a trillion-dollar, resource-rich economy, and six of the ten fastest growing markets in the world. Success in Africa introduces the ambitious CEOs who are building the continent. These stories of growth, technology, and tradition bring life to one of the most important stories of the global a successful Africa.

The CEOs of General Electric, The Coca Cola Company, and Tullow Oil join Africa’s leading CEOs to share insights on what wins in this fast-growth market. With twenty years of experience in frontier markets, including a decade working in Africa, author Jonathan Berman engages with top business leaders on the vast opportunities and challenges of the continent. Success in Africa pushes past the headlines on Africa’s growth to answer the questions often asked by companies and Who do I work with there and what drives them? How do I deal with government? What about war, disease, and poverty? What about China? How do I win?

Success in Africa provides on-the-ground perspective, personal stories, and insight that Robert Rubin calls “essential reading for all who are interested in Africa for reasons of business, investment, policy, or curiosity.”

Genres: Business, Africa

224 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2013

Reviews

[Saskia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Refreshing to read after only reading depressing books about neocolonialism. Makes me proud of home.

[Fatima · Rating 3 out of 5]

Best part of book is insights from African, American CEOs. Good framing and quick read.

[Matt · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting look at the history and future of business in Africa. I feel like I got some sense for how companies form and grow in various parts of the continent, as well as how relations with the public, with foreign investors, and with various African governments are changing. If the political and economic changes laid out in this book continue, I would expect several countries to go the way of China and India, and to have very competitive economies in twenty or so years.

At the time of this review, the book is seven years old, and a lot can change in that time. I'd like to find out more about how Africa is doing at the moment, and would like to spend some time there in the future, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana, or Rwanda.

[Emily Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well worth the time spent reading. I think I’ll be revisiting this in the future.

[Adrian]

Dritlø bok av «afrikapitalister»

[XXX · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book mostly functions as a pep rally for African economies with little of substance behind it. It's full of brief quotes from CEOs saying things like "Our consumption is so low, there's nowhere to go but up!" or "Chinese investors treat us like equals, Americans act like they are giving us charity." I don't necessarily disagree with some of these--I'm mostly an optimist about African economies--but it would have been nice to read something other than feel-good quotes.

The book narrowly avoids a 1 star rating due to a few comments suggesting this isn't the whole story and that the picture is more nuanced. Certainly we can't feel great about recent trends in the CAR/South Sudan.

I was hoping to read more about the obstacles and possibilities of working in poor countries without a strong track record of good governance. This book most certainly does not deliver.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good quick read with insights from local entrepreneurs and successful multinationals

[Buggz79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Impressed by the insights shared on what's going on in my own backyard. Highly recommend for those seeking perspective on African Commerce

[Robert Kimbui · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of the investments opportunities in Africa.

[Mustafa Golam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like the book, it's authentic and based on practical experience. Specifically chapter on China. China is increasing it's dominance in every sphere possible in Africa!!