In the words of Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, "In the new world, it is not the big fish which eats the small fish, it's the fast fish which eats the slow fish." As C-level executives, staying ahead of trends and finding new growth areas is imperative. One such untapped area is Southern Africa—a region rich in resources, human capital, and growth opportunities.

According to the World Bank, Sub-Saharan Africa's growth is projected to reach 3.2% in 2021-2022. Goldman Sachs reports that six of the world's ten fastest growing economies of the last decade were in Sub-Saharan Africa, making the region increasingly attractive for multinational corporations.

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) includes 16 member countries, representing a potential market of 345 million potential consumers. According to a PwC report, the top economies in this region—South Africa, Angola, and Tanzania—have demonstrated a significant potential for sustainable progress. The primary growth sectors identified by Deloitte include Infrastructure, Mining, and Consumer Products.

Bain & Company identifies political instability, corruption, and underdeveloped infrastructure as key challenges in Southern Africa. Yet, these very challenges present vast opportunities. In Change Management, executives should focus on the establishment of operational excellence through development of infrastructure, reduction of corruption, and political stability.

As per McKinsey, a successful strategic management plan in Southern Africa involves the following steps:

1. Deep Market Understanding: Understanding the market nuances, customer preferences, and localized challenges is crucial.
2. Risk Management: Developing a risk management strategy to navigate the complexities of business operations in Southern Africa is fundamental.
3. Partnerships: Partnering with local entities can provide valuable insights and build trust with government bodies and stakeholders.
4. Innovation: To overcome challenges in areas like infrastructure, innovative solutions such as Digital Transformation need to be implemented.

The expansion of Walmart into South Africa serves as a commendable example. According to a Harvard Business Review study, Walmart adapted to the South African market by partnering with Massmart—a local entity. Walmart leveraged its globally successful low-price strategy while adapting its product offerings to cater to local tastes. It adopted an inclusive business model promoting local industries and creating local job opportunities, which not only benefited local communities but also helped establish a positive business culture.

C-level executives ready to navigate the complexity and diversity of Southern Africa's business climate are likely to find abundant opportunities for business growth and innovation. As per PwC projections, Africa will host six of the world's 10 fastest-growing economies in the next decade. The time to invest in Southern Africa is now. The message is clear—as Klaus Schwab remarked, it is the 'fast fish' who will claim the opportunities in this rapidly changing landscape.