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The multinationalisation of South African telecommunications firms into Africa

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  • Luiz, John M.
  • Stephan, Henry

Abstract

The study investigates the main factors considered by telecommunications firms when making a decision to undertake Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This encompasses the reasons for investing, the methods of entry into the identified market and the factors influencing their decision. The methodology employs a survey questionnaire which was sent to telecommunication firms representing 80% of the revenue generated by this sector in SSA. The research reveals that market size, regulatory environment and government policy are the three most important factors influencing the decision to undertake FDI. Furthermore, the main reasons for deciding to enter SSA are for market and profit growth due to saturation in their existing markets, as well as for diversification of risk. They demonstrate the key competencies that South Africa Multinational Enterprises (MNEs) have in navigating the complexities of doing business in institutional voids. The liability of being from the relatively small emerging market of South Africa and operating in a country of institutional uncertainty has allowed South African companies to internationalise into markets that other MNEs will not venture into and thus turn a liability into an advantage.

Suggested Citation

  • Luiz, John M. & Stephan, Henry, 2012. "The multinationalisation of South African telecommunications firms into Africa," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 36(8), pages 621-635.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:telpol:v:36:y:2012:i:8:p:621-635
    DOI: 10.1016/j.telpol.2012.04.010
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    3. Tina Freyburg & Lisa Garbe & Véronique Wavre, 2023. "The political power of internet business: A comprehensive dataset of Telecommunications Ownership and Control (TOSCO)," The Review of International Organizations, Springer, vol. 18(3), pages 573-600, July.
    4. ., 2014. "Restructuring among mobile service providers: a ten-year perspective," Chapters, in: Mobile Telecommunications Networks, chapter 1, pages 1-25, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    5. Violeta Iftinchi & Gheorghe Hurduzeu, 2018. "The Pros and Cons of Using Joint Ventures as a Tool to Mitigate Political Risks in Developing Countries," Romanian Economic Journal, Department of International Business and Economics from the Academy of Economic Studies Bucharest, vol. 21(67), pages 193-199, March.
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    7. John Luiz & Callum Stewart, 2014. "Corruption, South African Multinational Enterprises and Institutions in Africa," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 124(3), pages 383-398, October.
    8. Moshi, Goodiel Charles & Mwakatumbula, Hilda Jacob, 2017. "Effects of political stability and sector regulations on investments in African mobile markets," Telecommunications Policy, Elsevier, vol. 41(7), pages 651-661.

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