With some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, Africa is no longer just a frontier — it’s a destination for real investment. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a private investor, or a trade partner, there’s massive opportunity across sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, infrastructure, fintech, and consumer goods.

But many ask the same question:

“How do I invest in Africa as a foreigner — safely, profitably, and with local impact?”

This article provides a step-by-step guide to investing in Africa from abroad and explains how Wigmore Trading helps foreign investors navigate markets like Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, and Rwanda.

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Why Invest in Africa?

✅ 1. Untapped Growth Markets

• Africa’s population is projected to reach 2.5 billion by 2050

• Rapid urbanization is driving demand in housing, retail, logistics, and power

✅ 2. High Return on Investment (ROI)

• Margins in agriculture, real estate, and local manufacturing often outperform mature markets

✅ 3. Favorable Trade Agreements

• Africa is unified under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

• Many African countries have bilateral investment treaties (BITs) with the UK, US, China, and EU

✅ 4. Rising Digital Penetration

• Mobile and internet growth fuels fintech, e-commerce, and edtech sectors

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Step-by-Step: How to Invest in Africa as a Foreigner

🌍 Step 1: Choose the Right Country

Select based on:

• Market size and demand

• Political and regulatory stability

• Infrastructure and access to ports or borders

Top picks for foreign investors:

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💼 Step 2: Decide What Type of Investment to Make

Wigmore Trading helps foreign investors launch trade-led models by sourcing, exporting, and distributing goods across UK–Africa and intra-African channels.

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📜 Step 3: Understand Legal & Regulatory Requirements

Each country has specific rules for:

• Foreign ownership

• Taxation and capital gains

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• Profit repatriation

• Licensing and local content policies

✔️ In Nigeria and Ghana, foreign investors must often register with:

• Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) or Registrar General

• Investment promotion agencies (e.g., NIPC or GIPC)

• Tax authorities and export agencies

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💳 Step 4: Plan for Currency and Repatriation

One major concern for foreigners is how to move money in and out of Africa.

• Work with countries offering Certificate of Capital Importation (CCI) or similar for legal repatriation

• Understand official vs parallel exchange rates

• Consider trade-based models where you earn in hard currency (USD/GBP) via exports

✅ Wigmore Trading structures export and payment flows to retain value in stable currencies.

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🏗️ Step 5: Start with a Pilot or Low-Risk Entry

Rather than investing heavily at once:

• Run a product or market test

• Start trading in small volumes

• Try procurement-to-export cycles before setting up physical infrastructure

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High-Return Investment Sectors in Africa for Foreigners

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Common Challenges for Foreign Investors (and Solutions)

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Wigmore Trading: The Foreign Investor’s Bridge into Africa

Based in the UK and operating in Nigeria, Ghana, and across West Africa, Wigmore Trading helps foreign investors:

✔️ Source African Products to Export

• Agro-commodities (e.g. shea, ginger, sesame)

• Processed food and ethnic grocery goods

• Personal care and cosmetic raw materials

✔️ Build Trade-to-Investment Pathways

• Test the market with low-cost exports

• Transition to local warehousing, production, or joint ventures

✔️ Navigate Compliance and Logistics

• We handle shipping, customs, and in-country clearance

• You stay compliant and in control

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Real-World Example: From UK to Africa

A UK entrepreneur wanted to:

• Invest in a natural beauty brand using shea butter from Nigeria

• Avoid remittance risks and supplier issues

Wigmore Trading helped them:

• Source directly from verified processors in Nigeria

• Export to the UK via sea freight

• Build an inventory for Amazon FBA

✅ Scaled business to 5-figures in 6 months
✅ Built trade relationships before establishing an African office

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Final Thoughts: Africa Needs Investors — and Offers Rewards

Investing in Africa as a foreigner is not only possible — it’s increasingly practical and profitable. The key is starting small, choosing the right sector, and working with a partner who understands both the local challenges and international expectations.

📞 Want to invest in Africa with lower risk and expert support?
Contact Wigmore Trading to:

• Identify sourcing and export opportunities

• Structure trade-led market entry

• Launch your Africa investment journey the smart way