I have been asked several times by friends outside the African continent how to start business is Africa and which country to start. Naturally, I would recommend my own country being a foreigner residing in another country. However, as an entrepreneur, a business couch, consultant, I have to put sentiments aside and stay objective while making economic decisions. Having an understanding of both my home country economy and my host country’s economy, often times I recommend Botswana based on my personal experience of both economies. For someone who has never done business in Africa before, Botswana would be a great starting point, because of the ease of doing business. Thereafter, you can expand into larger African economies.
These are my seven reasons why Botswana should be your get way into the African market compared to other African countries;
1. Peaceful nation with a democratic government with structures that actually work. The Government of Botswana is the biggest customer for businesses in Botswana and is a good debtor. So you don’t have to worry about defaulting in payment.
2. Promoting foreign direct investment provided you have substantial resources to invest in the economy, skill transfer and create jobs. Just like a business, the Government of Botswana makes economic decision when deciding who should be allow into the economy.
3. Although landlocked, it is serviced by a network of roads from friendly countries with active sea ports like South Africa and Namibia. Botswana also has a dry inland port accessible by cargo trains for transportation of heavy goods and machinery.
4. Part of the Southern African Development Community (SADAC) with 16 other countries creating potentially a larger market on the African continent.
5. Ease of communication; Majority of the population speaks English
6. Ranked number 87 out of 190 countries by the world banks ease of doing business report.
7. Depending on your industry and type of licensing required, you can buy a shelf company or register one from scratch and start operating in less than a month. This can take 2-4 months in other countries.
If you are interested in Starting a business in Botswana in 2023, the first steps I would recommend is that you apply for a business VISA online if you are required to have one https://evisa.gov.bw/#/ VISA’s can also be issued on arrival (please check your eligibility). While in Botswana, look around, ask all the questions you need before you decide if you want to do business in Botswana.
Expanding operations into a new market is not easy but not complex either especially if you work with experienced local professionals in your target market. Should you decide that you need assistance at any step of your journey, we are here to help.
Our service offerings include, but not limited to market research and feasibility studies, company registration and secretarial services, immigration and labour related services, accounting, book keeping and taxes.
If you want to learn more about starting business in Botswana, take action now.
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