February 26, 2019. Accra, Ghana – China Europe International Business School (CEIBS) Africa, in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), has released a report on the CEIBS-CIMA African Business Survey 2018. The report was produced in line with both institutions’ goal of producing data that captures and conveys the pulse of business in Africa, providing information needed to engage in knowledge-based decision-making.

The 2018 survey was completed by 133 respondents in senior management positions from 15 industries across 8 countries in Africa. The 60-page report was prepared by a team led by the Executive Director of CEIBS Africa, Professor Mathew Tsamenyi, and supported by CEIBS Research Associate Nana Yaa A. Gyamfi and Researcher Benjamin Diabah. The report analyses all aspects of business operations in Africa, including: business indices, competitive environment, human resources, marketing, government and legal environment as well as African business’ challenges and success factors.

The survey was funded by the world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). CIMA has members and students operating in 176 countries, working at the heart of businesses. The survey is also modelled after the China Business Survey, which is published annually by CEIBS from its flagship Shanghai Campus. Professor Juan Antonio Fernandez and research associate Maria Puyuelo, who are key members of the team producing the China Business Survey, provided invaluable advice and support for the launch of the Africa survey.

Following the successful launch of the CEIBS-CIMA African Business Survey 2018, Professor Tsamenyi expressed his gratitude to all participants, particularly alumni of CEIBS Africa, CIMA members and the extended networks of both organizations for their invaluable support in the collection of data. He is confident that the report will be published annually. “We consider this first survey a pilot attempt at what we hope will grow into a more in-depth annual project encompassing many more companies, industries and nations across Africa,” he said.  

CEIBS Africa and CIMA’s vision is for the survey to extend its relevance and generalizability by expanding the base of participants as far as possible across the continent.

Representatives of businesses operating in Africa who wish to participate in the CEIBS-CIMA African Business Survey 2019 may email gnana@ceibs.edu.

An electronic copy of the African Business Survey 2018 report can be accessed here.