Africa’s Rising Stars: Explore the Top Locations for Business Setup

Africa is quickly emerging as a key destination for global investors, with several countries across the continent offering competitive incentives to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). Governments are increasingly recognizing the vital role that foreign investment plays in driving economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement. Below is an overview of top premium African countries with huge business opportunities, tailored policies and incentives to appeal to investors, highlighting the unique advantages each offers.

Gabon

The Gabon Special Economic Zone (GSEZ) offers numerous benefits, including a streamlined Single Clearance Window with fast-track processing for business and employee registration, and quick work visa approvals. Investors enjoy a tax regime with 0% income, property, and service taxes for 10 years, along with exemptions from VAT and customs duties on imported equipment and raw materials. GSEZ also permits 100% repatriation of capital and profits, making it an attractive destination for investment in sectors like timber, mining, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, and waste recycling.

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Benin

Benin offers a comprehensive range of benefits to investors, particularly in the Glo-Djigbé Industrial Zone (GDIZ). These include exemptions from most import duties on production equipment and raw materials, along with tax exemptions for up to 15 years. Larger investments focused on intra-community trade benefit from payroll tax discounts and extended exemptions. The GDIZ also facilitates trade with a Community Certificate of Origin and offers a single-window system for streamlined administrative services.

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Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast’s Zones Industrielles de Côte d’Ivoire (ZIC) offers investors in sectors like agriculture, construction, automotive, pharma, and oil & gas substantial tax incentives. These include exemptions from customs duties, VAT, and corporate income tax during the implementation phase. For companies exporting more than 80%, raw materials are tax-exempt, and those exporting less receive a 50% exemption on industrial and commercial profits for three years. A flat turnover tax applies for the first five years, with a slight increase after.
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Togo

Togo’s Free Zone Act offers tax exemptions and customs benefits to companies in manufacturing, services, and trade. Investors in the Plateforme Industrielle d'Adétikopé (PIA) can choose between the Investment Code and the Free Zone Regime, which provide fiscal benefits like customs duties and tax exemptions on machinery, equipment, raw materials, and services.

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Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

The DRC offers tax incentives, customs exemptions, and reduced royalty fees to attract investors, especially in the mineral-rich nation. Focus sectors include construction, pharmaceuticals, FMCG, and infrastructure. The Congo Industrial Platforms (CIP) work to improve transparency and security for investors.

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Rwanda

Known for its ease of doing business, Rwanda offers foreign investors tax holidays, streamlined regulatory processes, and incentives in priority sectors like manufacturing and ICT. Special economic zones like the Bugesera Special Economic Zone (BSEZ) provide infrastructure, tax benefits, and export incentives, while Kigali Innovation City is a hub for tech companies.

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Republic of Congo

The Republic of Congo (ROC) provides tax exemptions, including customs relief on machinery and raw materials, and encourages investment in sectors such as timber, mining, and agro-industry through their industrial zone: Plateformes Industrielles du Congo (PIC). The government offers 100% exemption on customs duties and taxes for imports, as well as a 10-year corporate tax exemption followed by a low tax rate. Full repatriation of capital and profits is also permitted.

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Nigeria

Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy, offers incentives through the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and free trade zones (FTZs). Investors in FTZs benefit from tax exemptions, free repatriation of profits, and simplified licensing. The Industrial Platform Remo Free Zone in Nigeria offers additional benefits, including exemption from taxes, levies, and customs duties, and allows for unrestricted repatriation of capital and profits.

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Favorable Policies and Tax Incentives Across Africa

African nations are increasingly adopting favorable tax policies and investment frameworks to create a more accessible and business-friendly environment. Tax holidays, customs exemptions, and special economic zones are just some of the incentives driving foreign investment. These efforts, coupled with improved infrastructure and sector-specific benefits, make Africa an attractive option for investors looking for opportunities in sectors like manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and technology.