July 2019

For those that are lucky enough to make it big across Africa, there seems to be one key common denominator – scalability. Entrepreneurs that go out and find solutions to problems for customers while ensuring that their business is scalable are those that are now thriving, not just locally, but across the continent.

Take Mukuru for example, the African money transfer specialist. The company was formed to address a very apparent need within the economies of southern Africa and it has grown because the premise has scale.

Then there’s Harvey Roofing Products, part of the Macsteel Group. The Harveytile brand and product range competes in a challenging market but its characteristics make it an industry-leader and one which solves problems not just in South Africa but around the sub-Saharan African region. The company’s partnerships in retail and wholesale make it easily scalable.

Another example comes from Regis Holdings, a Mauritius-based heavy industry equipment supplier. As the demand for construction, engineering, oil and gas capital equipment grows on the continent, the ability of Regis to scale its operations has seen it become known as an industry-leading supplier. The majority of the international oil and gas businesses active around the continent now utilise Regis equipment and services.

Scalability is clearly fundamental for those looking to build a continental operation. Without it, you can have the greatest idea, and be successful, but you will miss out on opportunities.

Tell us how your company is using its scalability to onboard new opportunities. We’re online @EnterpriseAfri1and LinkedIn.