What we do

Trade and Investment Policy

Tutwa Consulting Group provides top quality analytical research on trade and investment policies and regulations. Awareness of the full, cumulative impact that trade and investment have on the national, regional and global value chains can be of significant benefit for companies, business associations, governments and their agencies, and regional organizations. Understanding the policy and regulatory framework wherein which trade and investment occurs is equally important.

Our analysis is rooted in a political economy approach framed by policies and regulations at global, regional, and country levels, specifically:

  • The global and multilateral trading systems, particularly the World Trade Organization.
  • Regional economic integration groupings, particularly: Southern and Eastern Africa; West Africa; North Africa and the Gulf region; South America; and the European Union.
  • Country policy and regulatory environments in the same geographic regions, and also the United States.
  • We also provide a focused South Africa service, extending to key government and stakeholder mapping and advisory.

This research offering is customised to client needs, and generally encompasses:

  • Mapping the broad policy and regulatory environment of concern to the client;
  • Assessment of specific technical issues in the trade and investment policies and regulations terrain;
  • Indicating directions of change; and
  • Tailoring this to company value chains and/or government policy priorities to demonstrate cumulative impacts on competitiveness.

Institutions and Political Risk

Changes in government policy are a fact of life – but they can be unpredictable in emerging market contexts. This is particularly so when characterised by weakened institutions. Political risk compounds this, especially when states are fragile, and power is highly contested. All of which makes for uncertain business environments.

With our world-class consulting team, skilled in the art of analysing complex political economies and regulatory environments, coupled with our strong public sector experience and networks, long track record of influencing public debates, and wide-ranging media contacts, Tutwa Consulting Group is well-placed to help understand and mitigate these risks for our clients.

    Primer course on the rationale for public affairs and introductory toolkits:

    Targeted at public affairs departments in large corporations, top management of medium-sized companies, organized business, state-owned enterprises and government agencies, this course introduces the public affairs imperative, anchors it in an understanding of policy processes, and provides several techniques for advancing corporate interests in the regulatory environment in an ethical manner.

    Click here for more on our Public Affairs and Political Risk Practice.

      Market Entry Advisory

      Companies expanding into international environments confront high knowledge barriers, especially in emerging markets where two particular problems confront them: what some have coined “institutional voids”, or the absence of regulations; and the “liability of outsidership”, or unfamiliarity with the host context. This exposes them to substantial risk. Considerably reducing those barriers confers two advantages: Time and cost savings for the company; and minimizing the risk of strategic overstretch.

      With our deep knowledge of international political economy, trade and investment policy and regulations, Tutwa Consulting Group is well-placed to assist companies in overcoming these barriers.

        Introductory seminar on the export process:

        This beginner’s seminar covers the different practical aspects of international trade and how they work together, encompassing the entire process from product and production adaptation, freight and logistics, clearing borders, and distribution to receiving payment.

        Click here for more on our Market Entry Advisory Practice.

        Short course on preparing for market entry:

        Targeted at senior management and company leaders, this course is adapted from the international business course we offer at MBA level. It combines minimal theory with plenty of practical insight into the kinds of policy and regulatory barriers governments establish; why they do so; and the implications for market entry strategy.

        Click here for more on our Market Entry Advisory Practice.