The Africa Market Entry Legal Playbook

Your Legal and Strategic Partner for Africa and the Middle East

Introduction

Expanding into Africa offers immense opportunity - but also unique regulatory, legal, and compliance challenges. This
playbook is designed to help investors, corporates, and founders navigate market entry in key African regions with
confidence.

Section 1: Why Africa, Why Now?

- Africa's GDP growth projections (2025-2030)
- Sector highlights: fintech, energy, healthtech, logistics
- Investment tailwinds: AfCFTA, digital infrastructure, youthful workforce

Section 2: 5 Legal Pillars of Successful Market Entry

1. Entity Structuring

- Common setups: subsidiary vs. branch vs. rep office
- Jurisdiction comparison: Kenya vs. Nigeria vs. South Africa

2. Licensing & Regulatory Compliance

- Sector-specific licenses (e.g., fintech, telecoms, transport)
- Timeline & cost overview

3. Corporate Governance & Shareholding

- Shareholders' agreements
- Board structure and local director requirements

4. Tax & Transfer Pricing

- Tax regime snapshots
- Withholding taxes, double taxation treaties, VAT issues

5. Employment & HR Law

- Probation, contracts, and termination clauses
- Work permits for expats

Section 3: Market Profiles at a Glance

Kenya: Ease of Doing Business - High, Corporate Tax - 30%, Time to Register - 7-14 days, Legal Red Flag - Licensing
delays

Nigeria: Ease of Doing Business - Medium, Corporate Tax - 32%, Time to Register - 7-21 days, Legal Red Flag - FX
repatriation

Ghana: Ease of Doing Business - High, Corporate Tax - 25%, Time to Register - 5-10 days, Legal Red Flag - Local
shareholding laws

Section 4: Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

- Entering without local legal counsel
- Underestimating IP and data privacy frameworks
- Ignoring government/stakeholder engagement early on

Section 5: How Amadi Helps

- Custom legal & regulatory due diligence
- Cross-border structuring
- Licensing assistance and strategic risk advice
- Long-term legal counsel post-market entry

Call to Action

Interested in a free 30-minute consultation with Amadi's legal strategy team?
Visit www.amadi.africa or email us at contact@amadi.africa

Stay ahead. Stay compliant. Expand with confidence.