African project challenges
December 2004
News
Projects in Africa, and particularly those in the technology sector, present particular challenges in respect of structuring, planning and the management of the various phases including the implementation and maintenance phases. Some of these challenges include effective risk management and the identification and use of suitable local partners. Others include the management of political and economic risk (including country and local business risk).
The political and economic turmoil in a number of countries has had a debilitating effect on the project environment due to the resultant business risk situation in addition to the macro political and economic risks.
Despite the various obstacles to managing and implementing projects in Africa - including logistical, infrastructure and cultural difficulties - the opportunities for South African companies were significant provided projects were approached and implemented properly. Effective risk identification, analysis and management is therefore one of the key success factors, both in getting a project off the ground and in successfully completing it.
Identification of suitable local partners to assist in the implementation and support of projects is also important for success, particularly for technology-based projects, which have ongoing support and renewal requirements. The way in which locals (officials, partners, suppliers, clients) are approached and handled is also critical. Many companies and their projects have been negatively affected by an inappropriate attitude and approach.
These observations are based on experience with projects in a number of African countries. Particularly investigating and planning public/private partnership opportunities in the technology sector, as well as in projects conducted on more traditional lines, including project assessment and dispute resolution. Global Africa Projects is a technology-focused project management and consulting firm. It and sister companies, Innopro and MWA, operate from a centralised base in Centurion (Gauteng) to service local, national and international clients and projects.
For more information contact Ian McKechnie, MD, Global Africa Projects, 012 667 5151, [email protected]
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