Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/229312 
Year of Publication: 
2020
Series/Report no.: 
WIDER Working Paper No. 2020/88
Publisher: 
The United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), Helsinki
Abstract: 
The growth of African multinational companies in Southern and East Africa in recent decades brings with it a great opportunity for development of productive capacity in the region and greater regional integration. This study identifies three emerging multinationals in the region- Trade Kings (from Zambia), Export Trading Group (Kenya), and Mount Meru (Tanzania)-that have developed capabilities over time to become effective competitors of incumbent food production companies in other country markets. By analysing the history, growth, competitive strategies, and capabilities of the firms, the study identifies factors that appear to have shaped their expansion in the region and the key lessons from their experiences. Drawing from interviews and publicly available information, the paper also analyses the various constraints the companies have faced in growing their businesses, particularly across borders in the region, with a view to identifying opportunities for policy that might help such companies to grow production capacity in local economies.
Subjects: 
African multinational corporations
barriers to entry
food production
regional integration
JEL: 
L11
L14
L41
L52
Persistent Identifier of the first edition: 
ISBN: 
978-92-9256-845-0
Document Type: 
Working Paper

Files in This Item:
File
Size





Items in EconStor are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.