Administrative Barriers to Foreign Investment: Reducing Red Tape in Africa (Fias Occasional Papers)

When at every turn, they find a new twist, or a new requirement, foreign investors in Africa can be easily discouraged from setting up businesses. Although many African governments have liberalized and reformed investment policies and promote themselves as investment sites, the reality facing investors differs greatly. To help change the 'lack of investor response' to Africa's enticements, this book examines the administrative constraints to investment in several African countries. It presents the experience that confronts investors when they set up a company. The case histories demonstrate how the morass of licenses, approvals, permits, and other requirements that result in undue delays and unforeseen costs encourage bribery and corruption and foster an environment of pervasive uncertainty for all investors. The chapters are divided into four areas, which correspond roughly to the chronological process of investment. They are: 1) general approvals, licenses, and registrations; 2) specialized approvals; 3) requirements to gain access to land, site development, and utility connections; and 4) operational requirements. This publication will be of interest to government officials, academics, and investment firms.