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China & Africa Business Services 

Our China & Africa Business Services support organisations in establishing, investing in and expanding business activities between China and African markets. We assist clients with market entry, local structuring, cross-border coordination, partner identification and trade-related implementation requirements. Our strongest differentiator is the combination of Mandarin-speaking professionals, on-the-ground African capability and access to HLB member firms and trusted specialists across relevant jurisdictions. Based in Johannesburg, our team provides practical and locally informed support aligned with each client’s market-entry and expansion objectives. 

Why It Matters

China–Africa business activity frequently involves multiple jurisdictions, regulatory systems, commercial practices and stakeholder relationships. Without coordinated local support, organisations may encounter compliance delays, unsuitable structures, unreliable counterparties and difficulty implementing their strategic plans. A dedicated cross-border team helps clients coordinate advice, understand local requirements and execute market-entry and expansion activities with greater control and certainty. 

See Who We Are — Tabs

Market Entry

Our market-entry services help organisations assess opportunities, establish an appropriate local presence and prepare for operations in unfamiliar markets. Explore our market-entry services below.

We assist organisations in assessing commercial, operational and regulatory considerations before entering a new African market. Our support helps management identify key requirements, risks, dependencies and implementation priorities.

We coordinate advice on appropriate business and ownership structures for the client’s intended activities and investment objectives. Relevant tax, legal, regulatory and governance specialists are involved where required.

We assist clients in identifying and assessing potential local business partners, service providers and other strategic relationships. Support may include initial screening, capability assessment and coordination of appropriate due diligence.

We design and implement AI-enabled tools and agents to support defined operational, analytical and decision-making processes. Solutions are developed with consideration for data availability, process integration, security, accountability and appropriate human oversight.

We automate repetitive and rules-based activities within business workflows to improve efficiency, consistency and scalability. Automation is implemented within defined processes and supported by appropriate controls, exception handling and management oversight.

See Who We Are — Tabs

Cross-Border Advisory

Our cross-border advisory services provide coordinated support for organisations managing investments, activities and stakeholder relationships between China and Africa. Explore our cross-border advisory services below.

We provide practical advice on commercial, governance and operating considerations affecting business between China and African markets. Our support is tailored to the client’s sector, intended activities and geographic priorities.

We coordinate input from relevant advisers, HLB member firms and service providers across the jurisdictions involved. This provides clients with a more consistent approach to information, responsibilities and implementation.

We assist clients in identifying and coordinating the regulatory registrations, approvals and compliance workstreams relevant to their intended activities. Formal legal or regulatory opinions are obtained from appropriately qualified local professionals where required.

We support the commercial and financial assessment of proposed cross-border investments and expansion plans. Regulated investment advice, capital placement and financial-product recommendations are provided only by appropriately authorised providers.

We automate repetitive and rules-based activities within business workflows to improve efficiency, consistency and scalability. Automation is implemented within defined processes and supported by appropriate controls, exception handling and management oversight.

See Who We Are — Tabs

Trade & Expansion

Our trade and expansion services help organisations establish supplier relationships, develop market connections and coordinate practical cross-border business activities. Explore our trade and expansion services below.

We assist clients in identifying potential suppliers aligned with defined product, capability and commercial requirements. Supplier selection remains subject to appropriate commercial, quality and compliance due diligence.

We plan and coordinate structured business delegations intended to develop commercial relationships and explore market opportunities. Support may include participant coordination, meeting schedules, local arrangements and engagement with relevant organisations.

We facilitate business visits to China for organisations seeking to meet suppliers, partners, advisers or other commercial stakeholders. Visits are structured around defined objectives and coordinated with trusted local contacts.

We coordinate foreign-exchange requirements with authorised dealers and appropriately regulated providers. Our role focuses on process support, documentation and communication rather than providing regulated foreign-exchange or investment services.

We provide or coordinate verification services relating to agreed employment, qualification or organisational information, subject to applicable law, consent and professional requirements. Findings are reported objectively to support informed decision-making.

We assist management in designing, improving and remediating IT and information-security controls. Recommendations are prioritised according to the significance of the identified weaknesses and the organisation’s operational and compliance requirements.

Speak to us

To discuss how our China & Africa Business Services can support your market-entry, investment or expansion objectives, please contact our China Desk team. 

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