The History of Business in Africa

This book offers a comprehensive study of the history of African business. By analyzing the specificities of African business culture, as well as the dynamically changing African policy context, the author sheds new light on the development of African enterprises, markets and institutions. The book covers a wide range of historical studies, starting with the earliest exchange networks, the new market opportunities resulting from European penetration, the dualism of state-owned companies and private enterprises during the twentieth century, the role of foreign direct investments and multinational companies during the 1990s, and the globalization of African business.

Grietjie Verhoef is Professor in Economic and Business History in the Department of Accountancy at the University of Johannesburg. She holds a D Litt et Phil in the history of banking and has contributed chapters to 14 book and published more than 56 peer reviewed articles. Her area of focus is Business History in Africa and South Africa.

Africa and Africas.- Networks of Exchange.- Business in New Markets Under New Masters.- Business in Independent Africa.- Enter the Market: African Entrepreneurial Rebirth After 1980.- Into the Global.- Conclusion: The Beginning of African Business History.