Internationalization in Africa and from Africa

Abstract

From the early 2000’s and in response to the increased international activities of emerging markets, academic interest in internationalization of firms from these economies has grown. This research has focused on how the culture and the management practices from these economies challenge existing theories on internationalisation and management of multinationals. However, in order to gain insight, we can not ignore the vast cultural diversity of the emerging markets. Drawing from empirical evidence, in this symposium we aim to put forward a discussion of managerial practices of international firms -- both from Africa and from outside the continent -- operating in Sub-Saharan Africa, and highlight challenges faced by these companies. The symposium brings together four distinct papers and a discussion from leading researchers from different backgrounds that draw from both macro and micro perspectives, each paper focusing on different aspects of internationalisation practices and challenges. This research can give valuable insights into the successful approaches to internationalisation within and into Africa, and add another dimension to existing theories of multinational corporations. Internationalization of African Companies Presenter: Africa Arino; IESE Business School Presenter: Mehregan Ameri; IESE Business School Cross-border Acquisitions in Africa: Insights into Processes and Outcomes Presenter: Kimberly M. Ellis; Florida Atlantic U. Presenter: Bruce T. Lamont; Florida State U. Chinese Investment in Africa: Avenues for Academic Scholarship Presenter: Lite Nartey; U. of South Carolina Presenter: Stephen Mezias; INSEAD International HRM in Africa Presenter: Franca Ovadje; Lagos Business School