What is geopolitical research?
Geopolitical research involves analysing economic, political and social factors to understand global dynamics, risks and opportunities for informed decision making. It involves:
- Regional analysis: Examining geopolitical dynamics within Africa, including regional alliances, conflicts and economic integration efforts.
- Country-specific analysis: Assessing political stability, government policies, regulatory frameworks and socio-economic trends in individual African countries.
- Risk assessment: Identifying geopolitical risks, security threats and potential destabilising factors that may impact businesses operating in African markets.
- Impact analysis: Analysing the implications of geopolitical developments on business operations, investment strategies and market opportunities in Africa.
Some of the main benefits of geopolitical research are:
Gain insights into global risks, opportunities and uncertainties
Identify and mitigate geopolitical risks for business resilience
Inform market dynamics, regulations and geopolitical factors for market entry
Enhance geopolitical shifts, enabling proactive strategies for market expansion
Optimise policy making to align with business interests and objectives
Key questions that are answered by geopolitical research
Geopolitical research aims to answer several key questions to help guide strategic decision making:
- What are the economic and political risks to entering new African markets or expanding operations?
- How do geopolitical tensions between African states impact supply chains and regional business operations?
- Which regulatory changes affect business operations and investments in specific countries or regions?
- How do social and cultural trends influence consumer behaviour and market demand globally?
- What global economic trends shape business profitability and competitiveness across various market segments in Africa?
In On Africa’s geopolitical research services
IOA brings a wealth of experience to geopolitical research with a specialised focus on African markets. Our deep understanding of the economic, political and social landscapes across the continent situates us uniquely to navigate complexities and deliver valuable forecasts.
We have conducted a wide assortment of geopolitical research across Africa since the company was founded in 2007, ranging from research and intelligence commissioned by government agencies and embassies (including Canada, South Africa, Spain and the US), through to advisory services for various private clients operating in Africa. This has included research on topics like African leadership intensions, terrorism legislation, regional ethnic tensions and conflict, nuclear counter-proliferation, foreign policy, international political influence and investment and African elections (see election monitoring).
Our team of experts, including political analysts, economists and regional specialists leverages their in-depth local knowledge and sector-specific expertise to tailor our research to the unique needs of each client. Our methods are customised depending on the needs of our clients and generally combine in-depth desktop-based research (such as assessing relevant databases, social media, news sources, international organisation websites, government documents and geopolitical partner sources) and in-depth interviews with relevant in-country key informants.
Our geopolitical research offerings are complemented by a range of once-off and ongoing research and intelligence services that ensure that our clients keep their fingers on the pulse of Africa’s ever-changing economic, political and social landscapes, including weekly, monthly and quarterly industry, sector and market intelligence.
Geopolitical research project case study:
Wide-ranging geopolitical research for a large government client
Client:
Government client
Country:
Sub-Saharan Africa
Methodology:
Desktop research and engagement with a wide range of relevant key informants over the course of a five-year contract
IOA provided various Africa-focused geopolitical research to a large government client over the course of a five-year contract in order to guide our client’s foreign policy and decision making on the African continent. This research had a strong emphasis on African economics, foreign policy, political affairs and risk analysis.
This included monthly and quarterly tailored research and intelligence on topics of specific interest to our client. Some of these topics were covered in regularly produced reports, such as a monthly series focusing on energy trends and developments in Africa, and some were covered in a series that specifically assessed China’s evolving African foreign policy and China-Africa trade.
Other research under this contract was developed on-demand for our client, such as topic-specific assessments of African countries’ nuclear counter-proliferation policies, and research that delved into terrorism risks and related legislation.
Key project outcome:
Over the course of the five-year contract, IOA’s research guided and informed our client’s policies, engagements and strategies across the African continent.
Find out more about how IOA can help you navigate geopolitical dynamics in Africa.
Read more about IOA’s various service offerings and examples of our past work.
Related services offered by IOA:
Competitor Monitoring & Benchmarking | Due Diligence Investigations | Election Monitoring | Industry, Sector & Market Intelligence | Market Assessments | Opportunity Assessments | Risk Assessments | Risk Monitoring & Mitigation