Dig Deep Exploring Opportunities& Challenges of African Mining; Interview with David Norval
In this interview with David Norvals, Rob explores David’s professional journey through the mining industry, and they discuss in detail the opportunities and challenges of setting up a business in Africa. This podcast gives an insight into some of the challenges which are specific to Africa, but David also shares his knowledge about how and why companies have been successful. If you are interested in understanding more about this fascinating area of the world and its mining industry, then this podcast is provides the answers.
KEY TAKE AWAYS
Exploring the opportunities and challenges for setting up a business in Africa.
When you go from a more sophisticated country you think you can easily identify investment areas.
Businesses’ generally start out from a need for something and willingness to work with expats and locals to provide those products and meet the need.
A possible restricting element is capital – registering a business in Ghana is easy but raising local capital or dealing in the local currency is challenging
You have to carefully consider if you have sufficient resources, have you planned for the possible risks potentially affecting African countries. The Ebola Outbreak shut down the economy in Africa. It is the type of risk that wouldn’t be expected in Europe.
Someone starting business in Africa needs to partner with someone local – often African countries look the same and you think they are, but the reality is that they are all very different and misunderstanding this is a mistake many make.
It’s vital that you to understand what’s going on
Finding the right partner is someone who has the same goals values and agrees with the company objectives.
In Africa you have to also be politically aware, understanding that the local partner you have now might not be the right partner in the future due to the changing political landscape.
BEST MOMENTS
“Being in the UK at an international company gave me access to people from all over the world. People with amazing ideas”
“When you go from a more sophisticated country you think you can easily identify investment areas.”
“Modern mining employs less and less people every year due to technology
Local communities asking what they get out of it”
ABOUT THE GUEST
Dave Norvals
Originally from South Africa, Dave Norval has been involved in suppling services to the mining industry for the past 30+ years and In this podcast, Dave shares his career and journey where he has been heavily involved in the mining industry in Africa and more so in Ghana so has a wealth of expat experience. He shares his experience and provides advice in setting up business in Africa and what you should do, the pitfalls to avoid and the challenges you may be faced with.
ABOUT THE HOST
Rob Tyson
Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight to people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.
Rob is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from the first world to third world countries from Africa, Europe, Middle East, Asia and Australia. We source, headhunt and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients’ organisation in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace.
Contact Method
- Email Rob at rob@mining-international.org
- Rob’s LinkedIn
- Mining International Official Website
- Mining International’s Twitter
- Mining International’s Facebook