Doing Business in Africa? Don’t Go It Alone — Why a Local Team Isn’t Just Helpful, It’s Essential

Doing business in Africa requires more than strategy — it demands local trust, experience, and execution. With decades of on-the-ground presence across key African markets, OFei helps businesses move faster, smarter, and with confidence.

Harriet Comley

7/17/20252 分钟阅读

brown and black desk globe
brown and black desk globe

Africa is a continent of unmatched potential. Rich in resources, bursting with young talent, and home to some of the fastest-growing economies in the world — it’s no surprise Chinese and global businesses are looking to expand their footprint across the region.

But here’s the truth: success in Africa doesn’t come from ambition alone. It comes from local understanding, local trust, and local execution.

Your time is valuable. And wasting it navigating unfamiliar systems, contacts, and cultures isn’t just risky — it’s unnecessary.

Africa Isn’t One Market — It’s 54 Opportunities, Each with Its Own Rules

From Ghana to South Africa, Nigeria to Kenya, each country has its own customs, business practices, trade laws, and relationship networks. What works in one market might completely miss the mark in another.

Trying to manage this complexity remotely or with limited experience is like stepping onto a football field without knowing the rules — possible, but unlikely to win.

Shortcut the Learning Curve: Let Experience Do the Work

Let’s be direct: time is money. And in emerging markets, speed matters.

Spending months trying to find the right supplier, navigate a regulatory process, or get a meeting with a key official can kill momentum. The right local team can do it in days — not weeks or months.

Having experienced people on the ground doesn’t just save time — it reduces cost, limits risk, and maximizes your chance of success.

Why OFei Makes the Difference

We’re not a middleman. We’re not a theoretical consultant. We’re an experienced, bilingual team deeply rooted in both China and Africa.

  • Our team has over 40 years of collective experience across Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Eritrea, Sudan, and more

  • We have long-standing relationships with local governments, business chambers, and trusted suppliers

  • We help Chinese and international businesses source products, verify partners, handle inspections, manage logistics, and handle negotiations — all in-market, in real time

  • We understand the pace, pressure, and expectations of Chinese and Western clients — and we bridge that with African practicality and insight

In Africa, Trust Is Currency

Contracts matter — but relationships matter more. Having a partner who is respected locally, who speaks the language, and who understands the nuance of how business is actually done — not just what the rulebook says — makes all the difference.

We don’t just help you enter the market. We help you stay, grow, and thrive.