The Effect of COVID-19 on Internationalization: A case study of Nigerian Cement Companies

Abstract: Internationalization has long time ago been very much been undergone and sustained inseveral companies all over the world, ranging from small to large sized firms. This is sobecause there has been increased demand for companies to meet in not just their domesticmarkets but also international markets. Therefore, internationalization is an inevitablephenomenon in the business sphere. Sadly, literature covering the African perspective ofinternationalization is scarce. Emerging country markets like Nigeria proves to provide acomprehensive and detailed outlook. Moreover, Covid-19 literature is still in its developingstage due to its recency. Africa in particular has experienced Covid-19 in a peculiar mannerwhich is different from other parts of the world.Which is why this study seeks to provide additional knowledge by taking a look at theinternationalisation of firms since the pandemic, particularly in the Nigerian cement industry.The purpose of this study is to understand how Covid-19 affected the internationalisationprocess of Nigerian cement firms as well as their progress of recovery since the hit. Includedin this study are 3 major Nigerian cement firms which form a representation of the industry.All 3 have internationalised within Africa. Semi-structured interviews were carried out withcompany representatives who are knowledgeable and involved in the internationalisationprocesses of their respective firms.Empirical findings inform us that the process of internationalisation is a daunting process tosay the least due to many factors ranging from social, environmental and geographic.Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic emerged viciously and disrupted business operations.Which affected transactions, sales and regulations regarding trade. On a good note, companiesleveraged on technology and network relationships to sustain their businesses despite harsheconomic conditions.