The Chief Executive Officer of Margins ID Group, Moses Baiden, has identified corporate governance, transparency and institutional systems as major factors affecting the ability of many African companies to compete effectively on the global stage.
According to him, several African businesses face credibility challenges when seeking international partnerships and investments due to perceptions that their governance structures and operational systems do not meet global standards.
Speaking in an interview with Bernard Avle on Monday, July 13, 2026, Mr. Baiden said African companies often begin business engagements from a disadvantaged position because of long-standing stereotypes about the continent’s corporate environment.
He explained that beyond an individual’s national identity, companies operating from Africa also carry a corporate identity that can influence how they are perceived by global investors and partners.
“Whether it is an African legal identity, like I’m Ghanaian, and also a corporate identity, you start from a negative position because you have the stereotypes and underlying assumptions,” he said.
Mr. Baiden noted that some international stakeholders question the governance structures, compliance systems and transparency levels of African companies, which can make it more difficult for them to attract investment and establish global partnerships.
He stressed that these perceptions are often reinforced when businesses fail to put in place strong institutional frameworks that promote accountability, professionalism and international best practices.
The Margins ID Group CEO, however, indicated that African companies can overcome these challenges by prioritising effective corporate governance, strengthening internal controls and building institutions capable of competing globally.
He said improving business systems and maintaining high standards of transparency will be essential for African firms seeking to expand internationally and gain the confidence of global investors.
