Case Studies

The following case studies represent a cross section of projects undertaken and successfully completed by Africa Analysis over the past four years. Please note that we have removed the names of the countries (except for pan African projects). Generally the project methodology has include primary research, secondary research, analysis and development of strategic recommendations.

We have undertaken projects in most African countries including countries in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

Projects have been undertaken in a variety of languages including Czech, French, German, Polish, Portuguese, Spanish and Swahili. We mostly deliver the projects in English.

Case Study Categories

• Benchmark Analysis
• Business Case Development & Feasibility Studies
• Channel Analysis
• Country Analysis
• Demand Forecasting
• Due Diligence
• Market Analysis
• Market Entry Strategies
• Product Analysis
• Regulatory and Policy Analysis
• Sector Studies
• Technology Analysis
• Telecommunications Expert Witness
• Workshops & Training Sessions

Benchmark Analysis

Telecommunications Operator Benchmark Analysis (African Mobile Operator)

The purpose of this project was to benchmark an African telecommunications operator against 50 international telecommunications operators who provided various services including fixed, mobile, internet and content services. The analysis consisted of analysing the development of the various telecommunications operators financial performance, market share and subscriber growth. Key ratios were analysed to determine how the African operator compared to the 50 international operators. This analysis assisted the telecommunications operator to set strategic objectives for its own growth strategy.

Mobile Market Benchmark Analysis (African Mobile Operator)

The scope of this project consisted of two objectives: 1) determine the addressable market for mobile services in the country, based secondary data inputs; 2) benchmark the country market against similar developing markets to determine the possible path the local market could take in the future and the saturation levels that could be expected in the local market over the medium term future. We successfully completed both objectives of the project, developing a comprehensive addressable market model and benchmarking the local market against 8 other developing mobile markets, as well as several developed markets. The outputs of the model fed into the clients budget and future strategy for competition in the market.

Business Case Development

African Carrier-of-Carriers Business Analysis (West Africa)

This project, undertaken for an East African power utility, was aimed at developing a carrier-of-carriers business model for an investment analysis. It required the development of a high-level demand forecast, network design and costing, and business case analysis to determine the viability of the opportunity. The outputs of the project assisted the client in making an investment decision.

African Carrier-of-Carriers Business Case (West Africa)

This project demanded a high-level analysis of the development and viability of a carrier-of-carriers business model. The proposed telecommunications operator had planned to build a country-wide fibre optic network to provide transmission capacity to other national and regional operators. Africa Analysis’ role was to provide strategic analysis of the strategy and the likelihood of success. The client made use of our input in the business case evaluation.

Southern and East Africa Regional Telecoms Network Development (pre-feasibility study)

This study was undertaken to gauge the potential feasibility, in terms of traffic volumes and revenues generated, of developing a regional terrestrial telecommunications network, spanning the majority of the East and Southern African countries. The project required a demand analysis of the regional international traffic that had as its output a forecast of regional traffic and associated revenues. The results of the pre-feasibility study led the client to launch a full feasibility study of the conceptualised network.

Traffic Interconnect Modelling (pan-African GSM Mobile Operator)

Within the realm of this project, we developed a comprehensive interconnect model and performed an analysis of an African country on behalf of a fixed line telecommunications operator. The purpose of this analysis was to understand the market dynamics of the GSM, the fixed line, the internet and the VSAT markets. Within these individual markets, we undertook a detailed analysis of market segments, including the payphone market. The result of this project allowed the client to thoroughly understand the telecommunications market and the traffic patterns within that market. Channel Analysis

GSM Channel Strategy (pan-African GSM Mobile Operator)

This project involved development of a channel strategy for a pan-African GSM mobile operator, including the analysis of GSM payphones as a channel. It required in-country analysis which resulted in the project team undertaking an audit of each country operations. Part of the analysis consisted of strategic assessment of the in-country payphone market and the respective opportunities. The outputs of the project allowed the client to assess individual in-country opportunities and select the best channels to reach the market.

Country Analysis

East Africa Country Telecommunications Traffic Analysis and Forecast

This project constituted a comprehensive traffic analysis and forecast of the East African country telecommunications traffic. The purpose of the project was to evaluate the opportunity of providing backbone infrastructure (under licence). This project involved the analysis of fixed, mobile, data traffic (symmetrical and asymmetrical) and internet demand. We used the developed their traffic model for the analysis of traffic flows in the country. The analysis allowed the client to gauge the size of the opportunity.

Central Africa Country Telecommunications Traffic Analysis and Forecast Project, 2004

Within the framework of this project, Africa Analysis undertook a comprehensive traffic analysis and forecast in the Central Africa country for an international telecommunications operator. The purpose of the project was to evaluate: (1) the international gateway opportunity, (2) the interconnect clearing house opportunity, and (3) the infrastructure expansion validation. This project involved the analysis of fixed, mobile and data traffic. We used our proprietary traffic model for the analysis of traffic flows in the country. The analysis allowed the client to gauge the size of the respective opportunities in the Central Africa country.

Due Diligence

Fixed and Mobile Telecommunications Operator (North Africa)

Africa Analysis was contracted to undertake a full market, sales and distribution due diligence on a North African operator who offered a 35% equity stake to potential investors. Africa Analysis evaluated both the operator's products and services and marketing, sales and distribution strategies. Based upon market demand Africa Analysis developed a forward looking product and service roadmap for the next five years. In addition Africa Analysis recommended the organisational structure to support that the planned service offering. Africa Analysis authored the marketing and sales strategy submission in the client's bid docuement.

PSTN Telecommunications Operator (West Africa)

This project, undertaken for an international PSTN operator, was aimed at conducting a due diligence study on an African PSTN operator wherein the international operator was bidding to purchase an equity stake. The project required a detailed assessment, undertaken in country, of the African PSTN operator’s market position and strategy. The outputs of the project assisted the client in developing a corrective marketing strategy as part of its equity bid and thus aided the investment decision.

Central Africa Country PSTN Operator Market Analysis (African Fixed Line Operator)

This project encompassed a comprehensive due diligence of an Africa PSTN operator wherein an international operator proposed to enter into a joint venture. The analysis of the telecommunications market supported through primary research was a key input used to analyse the marketing position of the PSTN operator. In addition the independent determination of the level of demand for a range of telecommunications services and the sizing of the market enabled the international operator to develop an appropriate market strategy. The field research, conducted in French by Africa Analysis analysts and our partners in the Central Africa country, consisted of 320 corporate/business interviews across the country. The result of the research and analysis afforded the client a thorough understanding of the Central Africa country telecommunications market and served as an input into assessing the opportunity for participation in that market.

Fixed Line Operator Demand Forecast

This project was commissioned by a fixed line network operator to undertake a demand forecast study. The resultant analysis presented a forecast of voice and data services at the exchange level throughout the country. The analysis outputs provided the client with a comprehensive view of demand for traffic and services to the exchange level on a national scale over the medium term future.

Demand Forecasting

Southern Africa Country Demand Forecast Project

This project involved a detailed demand forecast to main distribution frame (MDF) for the Southern Africa country PSTN operator, including a forecast of demand for fixed line voice, data and associated services across the country. This project allowed the PSTN operator to fully reconcile the services they provide to the end-users with the revenue generated from such services and to identify gaps to be addressed. It also enabled Africa Analysis to gain a detailed understanding of PSTN operator and the Southern Africa country telecommunications market.

SADC National and International Traffic Demand Analysis

This project consisted of demand forecast for national and international traffic per fixed line operator in most of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. It required an analysis of traffic patterns per country, an analysis of international inbound and outbound traffic, as well as a forecast of traffic growth over the next five years. A separate component of the study involved a pan-African international operator competitor analysis, focussing on international operators. The output of the project allowed the client to identify areas of potential opportunity and major potential competitors in these markets.

Fixed Line Operator Demand Forecast

This project was commissioned by a fixed line network operator to undertake a demand forecast study. The resultant analysis presented a forecast of voice and data services at the exchange level throughout the country. The analysis outputs provided the client with a comprehensive view of demand for traffic and services to the exchange level on a national scale over the medium term future.

Market Analysis

VSAT Market Analysis (African Fixed Line Operator)

This study included a detailed analysis of seven African VSAT and internet country markets. The countries were: Botswana, DRC, Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, Nigeria and Tanzania. The purpose of the project was to assess the opportunity for provision of wholesale internet solutions to local ISPs. Together with the client team, Africa Analysis analysts completed an average of 10 interviews per country with the major ISPs, VSAT operators and the market regulatory authorities. The result of this study provided the client with a very good understanding of the specific country VSAT markets, which was used as an input into its strategy development for participation in these markets.

Central Africa Country Mobile Market Analysis (pan-African Mobile Operator)

The purpose of the project was a detailed mobile market analysis of the Central Africa country mobile market, using primary research as a key input. The field research, conducted in French, consisted of 30 corporate interviews and 491 consumer interviews undertaken across the country. Study results provided the client with a thorough understanding of the Central Africa country mobile market and served as an input into assessing the opportunity existent in that market.

Southern Africa Country IPLC & MPLS VPN Market Analysis

This constituted an analysis of the Southern Africa country International Private Leased Circuit (IPLC) and MPLS VPN markets. This included primary research both among Virtual Private Network (VPN) service providers and all the major VPN users in the country, as well as an extensive competitive analysis of the various product offerings and go-to-market strategies. The analysis provided a thorough assessment of the IPLC and VPN markets and resulted in a set of recommendations for the client’s future strategy.

Product Analysis

Telecommunications Tariff Strategy Development

This project required a tariff strategy development for a pan-African telecommunications operator, encompassing an analysis of various tariff strategies. Included in the detailed analysis was a comprehensive analysis of 3G products and services tariff strategies. This analysis enabled the client to gauge his own services against international markets. It also allowed Africa Analysis to gain a keen insight into European and global 3G operators, who offer converged products and services, their market position and tariff strategies.

ISP Product Strategy

Africa Analysis completed a strategic assessment of the product strategy options available to a 2nd Tier Internet Service Provider (ISP). This assessment required a competitive landscape analysis of existing products and services, thus enabling a mapping of market needs to competitor offerings. Through this analysis a range of product options was identified for the ISP.

Telecommunications Data Services Product Strategy (West African Country)

This project entailed completion of a business case analysis for the purchase of a West African telecommunications operator. Part of the analysis consisted of a strategic assessment of the in-country data market and the respective opportunities. The analysis required a detailed forecast of likely data revenue over a ten-year period. The output of the analysis served as an input into the client’s opportunity evaluation.

Regulatory and Policy Analysis

Telecommunications Policy Analysis (Southern Africa Country 2004)

This project required a detailed analysis of certain telecommunications policy changes announced in Southern Africa country in September 2004. A thorough analysis of the changes was conducted to determine the possible impact on the telecommunications sector. The impact analysis required an assessment of the opportunities arising in the market from February 2005 onwards and assisted the client in developing his strategic positioning for future participation in the market.

Telecommunications Policy Analysis (Southern Africa Country 2005)

This project required a detailed analysis of telecommunications market policy changes proposed in the drafted Convergence Bill. A detailed analysis of all the proposed changes, pertaining to the telecommunications sector, was required to assess the possible impact on the telecommunications sector in the short to medium term future. The impact analysis also required an assessment of the opportunities arising in the market from February 2005 onwards and assisted the client in developing his strategic positioning for future participation in the market.

Sector Studies

SAVANT Marketing and Awareness Reports

Africa Analysis undertook a series of market studies for SAVANT, a public-private partnership programme in South Africa, which resulted in the generation of 5 individual reports and 5 marketing brochures for the researched markets. The brochures serve to promote the South African market and South African organisations abroad. The five areas of research were: 1) Telecommunications Infrastructure in Africa, 2) Wireless Development and Application Software for Wireless Development, 3) Niche Software Development and Niche Application Enhancement, 4) Business Process Outsourcing and Contact Centres, 5) Investment Opportunities in the South African Telecommunications Industry.

SA Software Market Study

This project, undertaken for the Department of Trade and Industry, was aimed at analysing and sizing (in terms of revenue) the South African software market. It also included a benchmark of the SA industry against other leading global market, such as the USA, United Kingdom, Ireland, China and India. The study provided the client with an understanding of the SA software market and its potential development path. It was also used as an input into strategy development by the relevant national industry organisations.

Technology Analysis

CDMA Technology Analysis (Southern Africa Country GSM Mobile Operator)

This project consisted of a technology analysis of CDMA deployment for limited mobility service application. This analysis was undertaken for an Southern Africa country mobile operator who required an assessment of the technology, the ability of a fixed line operator to deploy that technology and the likely services that technology could support. The analysis required a detailed technical comparative analysis between CDMA and GSM. The resultant output provided the client with an understanding of the technological and market capabilities of CDMA, and the possibility of using such a technology by a fixed line operator to compete in the portability / limited mobility segment of the market. Consequently, the client was able to develop his own counteractive strategy.

VoIP Market Study

Africa Analysis has undertaken a study of the Southern Africa country Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) market, which consisted of two components: 1) thorough study of the latest developments and VoIP offerings in developed and developing markets globally; 2) primary research in the domestic market to determine the competitive landscape among VoIP service providers, the range of products currently offered in the market, as well as potential market development paths. Results of the study provided the client with a comprehensive understanding of the latest developments in VoIP services globally and of the competitive landscape in that country. Africa Analysis gained a sound understanding of VoIP as a competitive technology and its impact on the development of telecommunications markets.

Telecommunications Expert Witness

Service Provider – Equipment Vendor Dispute

Africa Analysis was requested to be an expert witness in a court case involving a telecommunications service provider and an equipment vendor in West Africa. The service provider (plaintiff) argued that the equipment vendor failed to notify it about the future technology development path, which the vendor planned to pursue. The case was heard in the International Court of Arbitration. We prepared an objective expert report, stating the technological development which took place in Africa and other similar, developing telecommunications markets globally. We demonstrated the evolutionary path of the particular technology and assessed the service provider’s likelihood of having to follow the same technological development path, irrespective of what the equipment vendor planned to pursue.

Service Provider – Equipment Vendor Dispute

Africa Analysis was requested to be an expert witness in a court case involving a telecommunications service provider and an incumbent operator in Southern Africa. The dispute arose over the incumbent operator’s non-fulfilment of contractual obligations. The case was heard in a court in the incumbent’s country of registration. We prepared an objective expert report, demonstrating market development in this particular segment of the telecommunications markets in sub-Saharan Africa, assessed the extent of opportunity to participate in those markets, and assessed the service provider’s ability to successfully operate in these markets.

Workshops, Training Sessions, Speakers

We regularly conduct workshops and training for our clients covering various aspects of telecommunications.

We also speak at industry conferences and company events.