Challenge

Birguid was approached to conduct a six-country sub-Saharan Africa analysis for smart water kiosks by a leading water technology provider. The aim of the analysis was to determine market potential within six priority markets (i.e., Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, and Burkina Faso) and viability of the company’s existing offering. Key focus areas for the engagement included market sizing, competing solutions, key projects and policies supporting uptake of smart water kiosks.

Process

Desktop research: The analysis commenced with Birguid conducing exhaustive secondary research which was used to understand the smart water kiosk market across each market - this extended to reviewing the market structure, identifying the number of installed smart water kiosks within each country market (2019 – 2021), determining the supply chain structure, assessing client and competitor market shares, profiling projects supporting demand uptake, and estimating market potential (2022-2026). Desktop research also profiled opportunities in terms of key cities and regions and whether their appetite would increase over time for smart water kiosks – including factors fostering an increase in production. Lastly, desktop research concluded with competitor profiles at both a firm and offering level to determine whether the client had an edge over the competition or vice versa. An insights gap analysis was also conducted and leveraged as a guide to build out a questionnaire / discussion guide and key contact list for further interviewing.

Primary research: For each country market, Birguid completed fifty-five (55) interviews split across competitors, municipalities, waterboards, government entities, funding agencies, competitors and the media – totalling 330. Interviews were conducted telephonically, with a few conducted in-person, with each interview taking between 30-45 minutes to complete. Key outcomes of the primary research were to confirm whether (1) market size estimates were correct, (2) obtain more insight(s) on market drivers, restraints, supply chain structures, areas of opportunity, key partners, and competitors as well as competitive factors, and (3) further substantiation on market outlook – in reference to opportunity(ies) for the client.

Analysis, reporting & presentation: Birguid analysed the data collected on the secondary and primary research to affirm market size, growth opportunities and potential within each country market. In addition, Birguid used proxies and the collected data to build a forecast model and provide revenue as well as installed base forecasts for each of the profiled markets for the years 2022 to 2026. Post analysis and forecasting, Birguid prepared a per country and composite report that discussed an action plan, priority markets, projects, and partnerships to consider for the client, including how to effectively position within each market to take full advantage of the identified and recommended opportunities.

Outcome

The completed report(s) were presented to client and were well received, particularly the depth and granularity of each output. Client asserted that the reports were extremely helpful in further informing the company’s regional (sub-Saharan Africa) growth strategy – including how to exploit each of the recommended opportunities.

Challenge

Our client, a global industrial pumps manufacturer engaged Birguid to conduct in-depth analyses aimed at uncovering supply opportunities for the company’s pumps within South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Kenya’s food and beverage industries. The objective(s) of the strategic research were to size the market, profile key end-user companies, competitors, understand respective supply chains, discuss market dynamics (drivers and restraints), and use these insights to provide revenue forecasts and market growth recommendations for the client.

Process

Desktop research: Our work begun with exhaustive secondary research which was used to understand each market’s food and beverage industry in terms of its contribution to GDP (2019-2021), review of respective value chains and profiling of both private and public sector projects expected to contribute to further expansion of these industries during the forecast (2022-2026). Desktop research also consisted of profiling key end-user companies, including identifying and discussing expansion and rehabilitation projects to be rolled out over the next few years. Pump import and export data was referred to, to provide estimates of the size of the markets in revenue terms (total and vertical specific) for the years 2019-2021. Desktop research concluded with compilations of potential respondent lists and development of questionnaires for primary interviewing. Key questions included in the discussion guide(s) were (1) the size of the market for the years 2019-2021, (2) market drivers and restraints (2022-2026), (3) plant pump life cycles and types of pumps installed, (4) key suppliers of pump technologies, unique selling points, and key competitive factors (5) projects driving demand (current and future) and (5) market outlook.

Primary research: For each country market, Birguid completed fifty (50) interviews split across key end-user companies, competitors, policy makers, distributors, and other channel partners (EPCMs, system integrators, and engineering consultants) – totalling 200. Interviews were conducted telephonically with each interview taking between 30-45 minutes to complete. Key outcomes of the primary research were to confirm whether (1) market size estimates were correct, (2) obtain more insight(s) on market drivers, restraints, supply chain, pump replacement cycles, key competitors, and competitive factors, and (3) further substantiation on market outlook – in reference to opportunity for our client.

Analysis, reporting & presentation: Birguid analysed collated data to affirm market size for each country market. In addition, Birguid used proxies and the collected data to build a forecast model and provide revenue forecasts for each of the profiled markets for the years 2022 to 2026. Post analysis and forecasting, Birguid prepared a per country and composite report that discussed trends, projects, and opportunities for our client, including how to effectively position within each market to take full advantage of the identified and recommended opportunities.

Outcome

The completed report(s) were presented to client and were well received, particularly the depth and granularity of each output. Client asserted that the reports were extremely helpful in terms of further informing the company’s regional (sub-Saharan Africa) business plan and business development efforts – including how to exploit each of the recommended opportunities.

Challenge

Birguid was engaged by one of the continent’s top bank’s corporate and investment banking division to support them through the gathering of data and compilation of strategic sector, country, and regional studies to inform decision making (internal and external).

Process

Birguid prepared a report list and delivery schedule which was signed off on by client. Roll out of the engagement then commenced with Birguid authoring 2-3 reports per quarter in line with the approved schedule. Titles completed by the Birguid team included analyses of South Africa’s healthcare, automotive and construction industries; analyses of the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KZN province’s economies, and analysis of Africa’s oil and gas, telecommunications, and port industries.

Outcome

Detailed and in-depth analyses that built into the bank’s knowledge and database for sectors relevant to the bank.

Challenge

Birguid was engaged by a global tobacco company to conduct a loyalty and satisfaction survey of the existing tobacco grower base. The results of the survey were to inform the firm’s programme improvement strategies.

Process

Birguid conducted a literature review which informed the benchmarking and best practices criteria for outgrower programmes based on case studies of similar outgrower programmes rolled out across Africa. Post the literature review, Birguid developed the data collection instrument, which was used to conduct fieldwork, interviewing a preapproved sample of the company’s tobacco growers (farmers) at the tobacco auction floors. Post interviewing, Birguid conducted a data analysis and prepared the study’s write-up in relation to the study’s objectives which were to establish the satisfaction of the growers with the programme. Birguid also provided recommendations on future programme development and priority focus areas.

Outcome

Birguid’s Grower Satisfaction Survey served as the first grower loyalty and satisfaction study for client identifying areas for improvement with regards to improving relationships with its grower base.

Challenge

Research of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and aid organisations operating in the water and sanitation space of 14 Sub-Saharan African countries to identify potential partners and growth opportunities for the firm going forward.

Our process

Birguid started by conducting secondary research of Sub-Saharan Africa’s water and sanitation sector for context and to develop hypotheses for the study. Post the development of the hypotheses, Birguid developed discussion guides / questionnaires for profiled NGOs and aid organisations which were used to conduct primary interviews speaking to project managers, fund executives and country directors of NGOs and aid organisations. Post the primary research, Birguid leveraged secondary research, primary research as well as our understanding of funding trends to identify opportunities for client which were scheduled for roll out over the next five-year period (2020 – 2025). In addition, Birguid leveraged its relationships with embassies to obtain information on planned infrastructure projects within the target countries and the key partners to engage.

Outcome

Birguid developed a report that detailed our understanding of the sector including key partners, projects, and client opportunities. Birguid also leveraged these insights to develop a high-level business development strategy for the client.

Challenge

Birguid was engaged to conduct country research for a UAE headquartered company looking to invest in Mozambique.

Our process

Birguid conducted desktop research gathering insight on Mozambique’s political, economic, social, technology, legal and environmental (PESTLE) landscape. Profiles on the key economic sectors within Mozambique were compiled, highlighting key developments from an investment, competitive landscape, and market opportunity perspective

Birguid identified opportunities, highlighting those that aligned with the client’s key strengths and investment appetite

Outcome:

A detailed country investment mapping exercise that highlighted key investment opportunities within Mozambique for client to consider pursuing. 

Challenge

Client engaged us to support them to develop an accounting and reporting system that would improve efficiencies for the business’ accounting team during monthly reporting periods.

Our process

Our finance lead reviewed the company’s existing reporting systems to identify gaps and opportunities. In addition, to gain a better understanding of the processes and procedures, our team went through the reporting cycle outlining priorities from a reporting perspective and the business’ monthly reporting schedules. Post going through the cycle, our team developed a roadmap outlining what needed to be done to obtain efficiency gains based on the current system. In addition, the team standardised the reporting templates to enable ease of data compilation, interpretation, and report packaging.

Outcome

A more efficient reporting period for our client which contributed to significant man-day gains during the monthly reporting exercises. In addition, the standardised reporting process enabled for easier detection of problems and speedy resolve of issues.