Entrepreneurial Insight into Doing Business in South Africa
1. Tell us a little bit about who you are, the business you are involved in and which of the BRICS countries you are from / investing in
Gareth P Warner, Mech Eng, MBA, being in the renewable industry for 3 years, formerly in IT. From South Africa and investing in some renewable (Solar) projects there.
2. How would you describe macroeconomic conditions in your country? Do you feel that government policies are favorable for doing business?
Very complicated answer to this question: basically Yes and No! There are many positive and negatives. It would be about a page of writing. South Africa is very much a First World country with 1st world legislation but has employment challenges and other obstacles, but it is definitely a good country for doing business in if compared to many others in Africa.
3. What would you say is one of the greatest opportunities available to technology entrepreneurs / investors in your country?
Again because South Africa is very much a 1st World country with 1st world legislation, there are immense opportunities with a strong entrepreneurial base and relatively cheap labour and operating costs.
4. What would you say are the greatest risks when looking at business opportunities in your country and what advice would you offer?
Labour legislation is restrictive; it is hard to dismiss an employee. Additionally bandwidth costs are high. Finally the distance to Europe for export is time consuming. Other than that the country is ripe for investments.
