Knowing about African business etiquette is critical to staying alive in today’s global economy. Researching multiple commercial guides for Africa will help you in preparation for business dealings with African businesses or government entities. While understanding business practices in Africa is important when dealing with African counterparts from your home turf, it’s even more critical to be well-versed in business protocol in Africa when traveling there.

Business travelers need to be familiar with Madagascar business etiquette, business etiquette in Zambia, business protocol in Zimbabwe or business culture in South Africa so as not to break any taboos or appear to fit the “typical American” stereotype of being slightly less polished or even rude and brusque. When doing business in Africa, you should:

1. Seek online services and guides to business etiquette in South Africa to learn general rules of protocol.
   
2. Keep in mind that business culture in Africa may not be the same from one country to the next, so you need to be aware of a wide range of business practices in Africa.
   
3. Understand how even the smallest thing like an inappropriately wrapped business gift or a common hand gesture can go against African business etiquette.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Consult online etiquette sources or subscribe to guides on business culture in South Africa

Factors like dressing, demeanor and manners are different when dealing with African business people than they are in the US. While many American businesses lean toward 'business-casual' in dress, interpersonal dealings and communications, being casual in business isn't always customary in many African business situations.

I recommend: Find commercial guides for Africa from WorldBiz.com in order to educate yourself on protocol in dealing with South African businesses. ExpatCapeTown.com offers a wide variety of information about business culture in South Africa.

Familiarize yourself with African business protocol in the many African countries and regions

Being mindful of the cultural differences and expectations when it comes to business dealings throughout the many African countries can be the make-or-break point for any business wishing to expand business partnerships and trade in this region of the world.

I recommend: Cyborlink provides information about business culture in South Africa as well as general etiquette from when to shake hands and give a gift to how to address people and what time of day to set appointments. Kwintessential Cross Cultural Solutions provides business practices in Africa with a simple click on the country for which you need information.

Pay attention to the smallest gesture or basic rules in African business etiquette

Knowing when to shake hands, use titles or first names and give gifts are all critical to your business dealings in Africa. Even something as seemingly insignificant as gift wrap on a business gift can come into play in your acceptance in the African business world.

I recommend: Business Etiquette provides a plethora of details on interviewing, business attire, phone manners, business correspondence and greeting methods including handshakes, using titles and other business skills. This site also discusses general social taboos, rules for gift giving and familiarity in addressing your African business contacts. BuyUSA.com offers handy tips like why not to use red ink on a business card you use in Africa and which hand to use when shaking hands. Link to the Trader City Arabian Business and Cultural Guide for tips on doing business in North Africa.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Always consider government regulations when studying business practices in Africa to ensure your business practices follow established codes and laws.
• •  Your dress code could vary in Africa, depending on the company and the weather. In some situations, your dress code could range from a conservative suit to short sleeves and no jacket. When in doubt, look it up or ask the people with whom you are doing business in Africa.