Business Insights for Companies Expanding into Africa
Practical knowledge, international experience and local expertise to help Scandinavian companies make informed business decisions across African markets.
Editor's selection
How to Verify an African Supplier: A Practical Due Diligence Guide
Finding a supplier is easy. Establishing that it legally exists, operates as claimed and can actually deliver is a different matter. An eight-point framework for verifying African suppliers before you commit.
10 Common Mistakes Scandinavian Companies Make When Doing Business in Africa
Many business challenges in Africa are not unique to the continent — they occur in any international market. Understanding the most common mistakes before entering a new market can save considerable time, money and resources.
Entering African Markets from Scandinavia: What to Expect the First 12 Months
Most successful market entries into Africa do not begin with a launch — they begin with twelve months of disciplined learning. This is what a realistic first year usually looks like.
Latest articles
Understanding Incoterms for Sweden–Africa Trade
Incoterms decide who pays, who insures and who bears risk at each stage of a shipment. On the Sweden–Africa lane, the wrong choice quietly becomes expensive months after the container arrives.
Importing Goods from Africa to Scandinavia: A Practical Overview
Importing from Africa follows the same principles as international trade anywhere, but success depends on careful planning, clear communication and proper documentation. This overview explains the key steps from supplier selection to final delivery.
Business Etiquette in West Africa
Successful business in West Africa is often built on trust before transactions. Understanding local business etiquette helps Scandinavian companies build stronger, more sustainable commercial relationships.
Top Export Products from Côte d'Ivoire
Côte d'Ivoire has developed into one of West Africa's strongest economies and a regional hub for international trade, agriculture and manufacturing. Its strategic location, modern port infrastructure and growing industrial base make it attractive for international sourcing.
Payment Methods and Payment Terms for Africa–Europe Trade
One of the most important decisions in any international transaction is not the price — it is how and when payment will be made. This guide explains how different payment methods allocate risk between buyer and seller.
Why Local Representation Matters When Doing Business in Africa
Expanding into a new international market introduces challenges that cannot always be managed from a distance. Having experienced professionals on the ground can help companies reduce uncertainty, improve communication and build stronger business relationships.
Choosing the Right Incoterm: FOB, CIF, DAP and More
When negotiating an international sales contract, price is only one part of the agreement. Choosing the right Incoterm clearly defines who is responsible for transportation, insurance, customs and risk transfer.
Supplier Due Diligence in Africa: A Practical Buyer Checklist
You have a named supplier, a quotation and a payment decision coming. This is the checklist to work through before you sign or transfer anything — in the order the decisions actually arrive.
Factory Inspections in Africa: What International Buyers Should Check
Selecting an international supplier should never be based on price alone. A factory inspection helps buyers evaluate whether a supplier is suitable before placing significant orders or entering long-term cooperation.
Understanding Bills of Lading (B/L)
The Bill of Lading is one of the most important documents in international trade. It serves as a receipt, evidence of contract and, in many cases, a document of title.
Managing African Suppliers: Building Long-Term Relationships
Verification tells you whether to start. Supplier management determines whether the relationship is still working in year three. Specifications, forecasting, escalation and review routines for approved African suppliers.
Choosing the Right Market Entry Strategy
Expanding into a new market is an important strategic decision. Success depends on selecting a market entry strategy that matches your company's objectives, resources and level of experience.
Building Trust in African Business Relationships
International business has never been more accessible, but one fundamental principle remains unchanged: business is built on trust. Trust remains one of the most valuable assets in international commerce.
Certificates of Origin Explained
A Certificate of Origin is one of the most frequently used trade documents worldwide. Understanding its purpose helps reduce unnecessary delays and supports smoother customs procedures.
Why Scandinavian Companies Need a Local Partner in Africa
Africa is one of the world's most dynamic business regions. The difference between success and failure is often not the product or investment—it is local knowledge.
Is Africa the Right Market for Your Business?
Africa offers significant opportunities for international companies. But success depends on understanding whether the market matches your business objectives, resources and long-term ambitions.
Why Africa Market Entry Projects Fail: 7 Strategic Risks
Some international projects flourish. Others fade. The difference is rarely luck—it is usually the result of preparation, realistic expectations and strong relationships.
How to Choose the Right Business Partner in Africa
Products can be replaced. Markets change. Technology evolves. Strong business relationships, however, often continue creating value for many years.
Before Your First Business Trip to Africa
The first business trip to Africa should be about understanding the market, meeting people and evaluating opportunities—not about closing deals immediately.
Scandinavia–Africa Trade: Where the Business Opportunities Are
For decades, Scandinavian companies have worked across Africa. Today, a new generation is building long-term partnerships that combine Scandinavian values with African entrepreneurship.
How ScandAfrica Supports Scandinavian Companies Entering Africa
No two companies enter Africa for the same reason. ScandAfrica's support is tailored to each client's objectives, combining Scandinavian values with local African knowledge.
Turn insight into action with the ScandAfrica team.
Our team helps Scandinavian companies reduce risk, identify trusted business partners and successfully establish commercial relationships across Africa.
Contact ScandAfrica