Opening a business in South Africa

Much has been said about opening a business in South Africa, often painting it as a danger when in fact it is an opportunity . . . . Consider the following  . . . .

• Lack of competition. Compared to countries like the UK or the USA the South African market is wide open; you can find an open place and make it your own. Naturally you have to have a unique selling point and your business must have a competitive edge but beyond that you dont have to use force to open a gap in the landscape or patiently wait for a lucky break; you can just go for it.
• In the first year or two of your business there is very little governance and red tape to slow you down; yes that may come later (see next point)
• The African mentality and culture has a certain amount of flexibility to it. African is a place where people are given a chance. Africa makes allowances for remedial and corrective action to be taken “on the job”. You are given time to conform because growth is seen as more desirable than governance.
• We have a first world infrastructure while still having an affordable workforce. With the right training and nurturing unskilled people can become skilled at the fraction of the cost in other countries.
• Being young is not seen as a disadvantage. Society perceives you to be an expert in trends and growth (while older people are seen as being experts in procedures and administration)
• Being small or a medium sized is often seen as an advantage because you can move faster and at a fraction of the price.

I have started many businesses and this has been my experience. Sure your reality may be quite different but I believe that the way you approach a challenge can determine your success or failure.