WYWIAD GOSPODARCZY: DLACZEGO WARTO INWESTOWAĆ W AFRYCE?

Summary

In this interview, Tomasz Dowbor, Chairman of the Supervisory Board and founder of Pobawi Group, discusses his extensive experience in Angola, where he has been living and conducting business for 25 years. He emphasizes Angola’s vast business potential, especially in sectors like mining, agriculture, and infrastructure, and highlights the advantages for Polish investors. Dowbor also shares insights into how Polish businesses are perceived in Angola, their role in local development, and the opportunities for future investments, particularly in emerging African markets.

Takeaways

• 😀 Tomasz Dowbor, the Chairman of the Supervisory Board and founder of Pobawi Da, has lived in Angola for 25 years, focusing on business development in the country.
• 😀 Angola is an attractive place for business investment due to its vast resources, including mining, agriculture, and infrastructure opportunities.
• 😀 Dowbor highlights Angola's potential as a market with over 25 million consumers and vast untapped opportunities in various sectors.
• 😀 Pobawi Da, a company founded by Poles and employing around 5,000 people in Angola, has grown significantly over the past two decades.
• 😀 The company prioritizes hiring local Angolans, with 99% of its workforce being native Angolans, contributing to local economic growth.
• 😀 The cultural differences between Poland and Angola are significant, but the company's success is driven by adapting to local practices and working closely with the community.
• 😀 Poles are well-regarded in Angola, with a long-standing historical relationship, especially dating back to military and educational cooperation in the 1970s.
• 😀 Angola's economy is recovering and growing post-civil war, offering great investment opportunities, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure.
• 😀 Poland’s Chamber of Commerce plays a key role in supporting Polish businesses by organizing visits and providing insights into investment opportunities in Angola.
• 😀 Dowbor recommends Polish businesses explore Angola firsthand to fully understand the investment opportunities, as direct observation is critical to success in the country.
• 😀 The African market, particularly Angola, offers higher margins and better opportunities compared to more established markets, such as Europe or South America, despite the potential political risks.

Q & A

How long has Tomasz Dowbor been in Angola?

Tomasz Dowbor has been in Angola for 25 years.

What initially brought Tomasz Dowbor to Angola?

Tomasz Dowbor was introduced to Angola through his father, who traveled between Poland and Angola in the 1990s, building connections and friendships.

Why does Tomasz Dowbor consider Angola a good place for Polish business investments?

Tomasz Dowbor believes Angola is a promising place for business due to its vast market potential, including its large consumer base, the growing agricultural sector, and the need for country rebuilding after the civil war.

What sectors are prominent in Angola’s market for investment, according to Tomasz Dowbor?

The sectors Tomasz Dowbor highlights for investment in Angola include agriculture, mining, particularly diamonds, and construction, especially in rebuilding the country after the civil war.

What is the significance of Tomasz Dowbor's company in Angola?

Tomasz Dowbor's company, which employs about 5,000 people, is a major employer in Angola, with a workforce almost entirely made up of local Angolans. The company is a significant player in Angola's economic landscape.

How does Tomasz Dowbor manage his business operations in Angola, considering cultural differences?

Tomasz Dowbor operates the business alongside his brother, acknowledging the differences between European and Angolan cultures. They focus on working with local staff and adapting to the country's environment, which is different from developed nations.

How are Poles perceived in Angola in terms of business relationships?

Poles are viewed favorably in Angola, largely due to a long history of cooperation dating back to the 1970s. Polish investors are treated as friends and partners, with strong business relationships, and are seen positively as employers.

What advice does Tomasz Dowbor offer for Polish businesses looking to invest in Angola?

Tomasz Dowbor advises Polish businesses to first visit Angola and see the investment opportunities for themselves. He emphasizes the importance of direct experience to understand the country's potential in various sectors.

What are the advantages of investing in Angola compared to other markets, such as European or Asian markets?

The main advantage of investing in Angola, according to Tomasz Dowbor, is the higher margin potential in underdeveloped sectors, such as agriculture, compared to markets in Europe or Asia. Angola offers less competition and more opportunities for growth.

What role does the Polish government play in supporting investments in Angola?

The Polish government, through organizations like the Polish Chamber of Commerce, supports Polish investments in Angola by organizing trade missions and offering guidance on how to navigate the business environment in Angola and other African markets.