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. 

DBA is part of the Cluster for Economic Research on Africa, which is conducted in cooperation with the Kiel Institute for the World Economy (IfW). It is funded by the German Federal Parliament and supported by the Federal Ministries of Economics and Climate Protection, as well as Finance