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UK businesses eye Africa for growth as new research highlights strategic opportunities
Key drivers of interest include Africa’ s expanding consumer base( 61 %), accelerating tech adoption( 61 %) and a youthful, digitally connected population( 50 %). Philanthropic motivations were cited by just 20 % of respondents, suggesting that businesses are focused on Africa’ s long-term economic potential rather than short-term gains. new report from Strategy Management Partners reveals
A that UK business leaders are increasingly targeting Africa as a key market for long-term growth, driven by structural reforms, demographic momentum and rapid Digital Transformation across the continent.
The research shows that 50 % of UK businesses surveyed are already operating in Africa and planning further expansion. A further 28 % are exploring opportunities but remain uncertain about how best to enter. The findings suggest a significant shift in perception – from a high-risk proposition to a strategically important growth market.
Despite rising optimism, operational and policy challenges persist. The top concerns cited by UK leaders were political and country risk( 68 %), safety and security issues( 66.4 %), regulatory barriers and tariffs( 60.4 %) and the complexity of cross-border transactions( 60 %).
Sector-specific opportunities highlighted include oil and gas, renewable energy, technology, agriculture and mineral reserves. Industries able to bridge infrastructure gaps and support rapid urbanisation are seen as well-positioned, though the report cautions that success will require long-term commitment, local partnerships and regulatory understanding.
“ Africa presents one of the most promising growth opportunities of the next decade,” said Muibat Ijaiya, Partner at Strategy Management Partners.“ But realising that potential depends on both private sector adaptability and government investment in enabling conditions.”
UK businesses still rely on risky due diligence practices
UK businesses are leaving themselves dangerously exposed to fraud, unpaid invoices and financial loss by relying on outdated due diligence practices, according to new research from digital verification platform, Umazi.
Its report, Broken ID, Broken Growth: The UK’ s Verification Chokehold, reveals that nearly 30 % of businesses admit they do not request documentation when engaging with a company that has a‘ recognised industry name.’ Even more concerning, 29 % knowingly accept the risk of working with entirely unverified businesses.
Despite rising threats such as corporate identity theft, data breaches and fraud, more than 20 % of businesses perform no due diligence at all – citing a lack of tools or knowledge.
“ Not every business mistake can be undone,” said Cindy van Niekerk, CEO and Founder of Umazi.“ A fraudulent supplier, a fake corporate identity, a data breach that spirals out of control – and suddenly a business that was stable is gone. This is entirely preventable. The tools exist. Trust must be earned through verification, not assumed through reputation.”
The report also highlights that 63 % of businesses still feel comfortable emailing sensitive information, with 73 % trusting recipients to store it securely. Encouragingly, 88 % of respondents said a digital business identity or‘ trust stamp’ would significantly improve due diligence.
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