BASF Group, Commerzbank, Linde and Siemens have emerged as this year’s winners of Roland Berger’s Best of European Business Awards. The event, which was held in Berlin, focused on Africa- the investment opportunities on the continent as well as the negative image hindering investors from venturing into Business.

Although Africa’s economic progress over the last decade is no longer a secret, many Western businesses and investors are still apprehensive about entering the continent. Thus, the theme “Successful and Sustainable Business Strategies in Africa,” aimed at demonstrating the opportunities that exist in Africa and how the award recipients  have seized them to encourage other western investors. For example, the top winner, BASF Group understands Business in Africa. The company has been active on the continent for over 90 years with over 1,000 employees. Their work span across running production facilities for emission catalyst, coil coating, construction of chemicals etc. in South Africa with other offices in East Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. The company’s target is to more than double sales in Africa by 2020.

 “The view of Africa as a monolithic block characterized by poverty, hunger, disease, war and corruption is long outdated. Africa is a huge growth market with enormous opportunities.” said Dr. Martin C. Wittig, CEO of Roland Berger.