And Africa is opening up for trade. As part of the SouthScan service we deliver country and sectoral reports and risk assessments on African countries for clients interested in the new commercial and investment possibilities. SouthScan Associates in Johannesburg, Brussels or London are available for individual consultation. The entire region is opening up for international trade and investment as never before, often using the springboard of South Africa. But risks abound - for business, for aid organisations, for individuals.
Stability is precarious.
Government policy is fluid. In this climate South African and international companies are signing reconstruction deals to rebuild shattered infrastructure and stagnant businesses. Parastatals are being privatised and tariff barriers are dropping. Governments are grasping at foreign investment and trade opportunities. Throughout Africa new political actors are coming to the fore.