The Doing Business in Africa (DBA) research group at ESB Business School of Reutlingen University investigates business activities in Sub-Saharan African markets. The research takes the perspective of the private sector on Sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, the topics revolve around motives, strategy, operational activities, and impact of international and local African companies in the markets of Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Its fundamental understanding is that the success of private sector engagement is not in conflict with common development goals but rather a key enabler of Sub-Saharan African economic and institutional advancement. As important as comprehending firms’ engagement and activities in Sub-Saharan Africa is, it is still understudied. Thus, the research group takes a unique approach to applied research on Sub-Saharan Africa. 

The "Doing Business in Africa" (DBA) research group at ESB Business School at Reutlingen University analyses business activities in the markets of sub-Saharan Africa. The research is based on analysing the African activities of the private sector and their view of the markets in sub-Saharan Africa. The research group works closely with the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW).