Moses Baiden
The Chief Executive Officer of Margins ID Group, Moses Baiden, has attributed the difficulties many African companies face in competing on the global stage to weak corporate governance, inadequate transparency and poor institutional systems, saying these shortcomings continue to undermine investor confidence and international partnerships.
Speaking in an interview on an Accra-Based Citi FM, Mr. Baiden said African businesses often begin from a disadvantaged position because of longstanding stereotypes and negative perceptions about the continent’s corporate environment.
He explained that African firms face challenges not only because of their national identity but also because their corporate identity is frequently viewed with scepticism by global investors and business 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 many international investors perceive African companies as lacking strong governance frameworks, effective compliance systems and sufficient transparency, making it more difficult for them to attract investment and secure strategic partnerships.
According to him, these perceptions are often reinforced when businesses fail to establish robust internal systems that demonstrate accountability, professionalism and adherence to internationally accepted standards.
He said the credibility gap confronting African businesses is rooted partly in historical narratives that have shaped global perceptions of the continent and its ability to build strong and sustainable institutions.
Mr. Baiden, however, stressed that African companies have the opportunity to change this narrative by making corporate governance a strategic priority.
He urged businesses across the continent to strengthen their governance structures, improve transparency and build effective internal controls to enhance accountability and align their operations with international best practices.
According to him, raising governance standards will be essential if African companies are to expand into global markets, attract foreign investment and establish themselves as credible and competitive partners on the international stage.
A Business Desk Report