-

How to Find the Right Local Manufacturing Partner in Africa (And Avoid Costly Market Entry Mistakes)
After my last article on why global manufacturers are choosing contract manufacturing over building factories in Africa, I received solicitations from international executives who are interested in the African consumer market and particularly in local manufacturing partnerships. Though I spoke with them individually to guide them so they don’t make errors that can cost them…
-

Your Carton Is Your Cheapest Billboard in Africa.
Most manufacturers I meet treat the shipping carton as a cost line: the cheapest brown box that will not collapse before the truck arrives. That is a mistake, and in African markets it is an expensive one. Before a consumer ever sees your product, a wholesaler, a loader, a truck driver and a shop owner…
-

Why Global Manufacturers Are Entering Africa Without Building New Factories
The Smartest Market Entry Strategy for Nigeria and West Africa Many international manufacturers looking at Africa make the same costly assumption: “To succeed in Africa, we must build our own factory.” The reality is far different. Establishing a greenfield manufacturing facility in Africa can take anywhere from 18 to 36 months before a single commercial…
-
Want to Enter Africa’s Market Faster? Stop Thinking About Building a Factory
The Smartest Market Entry Strategy for Nigeria and West Africa Many international manufacturers looking at Africa make the same costly assumption: “To succeed in Africa, we must build our own factory.” The reality is far different. Establishing a greenfield manufacturing facility in Africa can take anywhere from 18 to 36 months before a single commercial…
-

Fake Products in Nigeria: The Uncomfortable Truth Behind the Trade Fair Raids
The video everyone watched, and the conversation few want to have A video from NAFDAC is circulating widely: arrests, a building raided, fake products seized at the Trade Fair market in Lagos. The condemnation has been loud, from Nigerians at home and abroad. It should be. As a product and market development practitioner, I condemn…
-

Nigeria Port Upgrade: Why Nigerians Should Remain Cautious
The Federal Government’s approval to upgrade Onne, Delta, Rivers and Calabar ports is potentially important for Nigeria’s maritime economy. A stronger port network could reduce pressure on Lagos, improve regional trade and lower the cost of moving goods. However, approval is only the beginning. Nigerians should welcome the announcement without assuming that the promised benefits…
-

Presence vs. Visibility: The Hidden Engine of FMCG Growth in Africa
A global consumer goods executive once told me proudly: “Our brand has 78% weighted distribution across the leading modern trade chains. We’re in the market.” My response was simple: “Are you visible, or are you simply parked on a shelf?” Six months later, the company was dealing with declining inventory velocity, cash tied up in…
-

The Gap Is the Opportunity: Why Nigeria’s Healthcare Infrastructure Is the Next Decade’s Investment Frontier
Nigeria’s 2023 Health Facility Registry counts 38,645 health facilities nationwide. On paper, that looks like a healthcare system approaching maturity. It isn’t. The WHO’s 2025 Nigeria Health Systems and Services Profile makes it clear: primary healthcare remains the weakest tier of service delivery, undermined by gaps in infrastructure, specialist services, emergency care, and referral systems.…








