IN 1995 I was among a group of young South Africans who travelled overland through Zambia and on into Malawi close to Livingstone, before turning back. It was a time of euphoria, and wherever we went on the continent we were greeted with cheers and welcomed as new South Africans. Suddenly borders fell. This was also the case for South African business on the continent.More than two decades later, the question arises whether SA’s foreign policy has placed business in a better position in Africa, or whether it was just due to the euphoria at the end of apartheid. Let’s first consider France, one of the countries that operates most successfully on the continent. When the president of France visits Africa he is accompanied by the who’s who of French business. In his entourage there are always the CEOs of Bolloré, Orange, Bouygues, Alstrom and various others. These companies need no introduction in the business world and represent some of the wealthiest in France.Foreign policy in the cl...
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