Political economy analysis examines how political, social and economic forces interact to shape outcomes in a market: who holds power, what incentives drive decisions, and how formal institutions and informal networks function.
Political economy analysis
For investors, corporates and development institutions working in Africa, this matters because the written rules rarely tell the whole story. What determines outcomes is how those rules are applied, by whom, and why. A licence granted on paper can still depend on a relationship that never appears in any filing.
Our Approach
We draw on long-standing relationships across African markets to understand how power and influence operate, then apply consistent, evidence-based frameworks to map stakeholders, incentives and institutional dynamics, so findings are decision-ready. Our teams combine regional expertise with specialisation across energy, mining, agriculture, finance and digital infrastructure.
This produces stakeholder and power mapping, political risk assessments, election and policy monitoring, governance analysis and scenario planning, depending on what a client needs to decide.
What clients gain
A clearer view of who shapes outcomes in a given market, and enough warning of political or regulatory shifts to adjust strategy before they take effect, rather than reacting once they have.
Typical clients
Investors assessing political risk before entering or expanding in a market. Corporates managing regulatory or stakeholder complexity. Development finance institutions designing programmes that account for political realities. Governments seeking independent analysis of institutional dynamics.
Related reading
Elections in Africa 2023
Angola's election: irregularity and continuity amid growing dissatisfaction
Kenya Power: reforms stall as government pursues path of least resistance