Relocating a Business to Africa Guide
Moving Production to Africa: A Checklist
Practical Steps for a Confident Move
More companies are looking at Africa as a place to make things, not only to sell them. The continent has resources, young people and a single continental market under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Moving well still takes planning, and the right choices differ by sector and country.
Make in Africa offers this guide as a starting point. We introduce and guide. We do not give legal, tax or immigration advice, and we cannot promise incentives.
Know the Ground
Zones, Markets and Partners
Core Checklist:
Choose Sector and Country:
- Pick a sector where local inputs and demand already exist.
- Compare countries on stability, rules, workforce and access.
Use Zones and AfCFTA:
- Look at zones for serviced land and simpler procedures.
- Learn how AfCFTA origin rules apply to your product.
Find Local Partners:
- Meet local firms as suppliers, joint venture partners or customers.
- Check a partner's record with chambers and references.
Plan Power and Logistics:
- Test power supply and its cost for your process.
- Map ports, roads and borders between plant and customers.
Check Skills, Standards, Finance:
- Plan training and recruitment of skilled workers early.
- Explore finance, guarantees and standards with qualified advisers.
Where Make in Africa Helps
Why Plan Early
Better Site Choice
Match your product to the right country, zone and customers.
Market Access
Understand how AfCFTA rules may open the wider continental market.
Reliable Supply
Plan for power, transport and inputs before you commit capital.
Stronger Teams
Build the workforce and skills your plant will need.
Before You Commit
Test the Plan
Build Where You Sell
Africa should make more of what it uses and sells. Companies that add production here help keep value, jobs and technology on the continent. Join Make in Africa to meet partners and investors. Write to us through the contact form to discuss your plans.
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The Make In Africa Global Summit (MIAGS) is a global platform connecting leaders, businesses, investors, institutions and policymakers shaping the next era of economic growth across the Global South and Africa.
MIAGS advances South–South cooperation, trade, investment, industrialization, technology, infrastructure and economic resilience, creating platforms for dialogue, strategic partnerships and cross-border opportunities.
Our mission is to strengthen the Global South and Africa’s role in the global economy by connecting capital with opportunity, innovation with markets and economic priorities with action—while fostering a more connected, productive and influential economic future.