Ranking risks and opportunities of African cities : - A data-driven model to support MNE’s FDI strategies

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to build a model that incorporates current data of Africa, both regarding risks and opportunities into a strategic framework that should enable a more informed foreign direct investment decision for multinational enterprises (MNEs). The parameters used in the model were carefully chosen as determinants to foreign direct investment (FDI) based on extensive literature reviews. The model currently covers 101 major cities in 40 African countries. The model calculates and ranks indexes of African cities in terms of prospective investment opportunities. It is a general model with the flexibility of adapting to the user’s specific needs, since they can be highly heterogeneous depending on the industry and the type of to FDI considers. To test the validity of the model, standardized weights were used and the results were compared to current reports of FDI inflows to Africa. The results given by the model were to some extent compliable with the result of current FDI inflows, which thereby can be seen as sign of validity.