Nigerian Franchising: Making Your Way Through the Thicket

Business franchising, once principally a U.S. phenomenon, has come of age as a global phenomenon. In particular, the explosive growth of international franchising in developing economies has brought tremendous opportunities for both franchisors and franchisees. One country, however, until late, has been conspicuously absent from the list of developing countries that have benefited from franchising ' Nigeria. A massive bureaucracy and a complex web of regulations have ensured that Nigeria remains one of “the last frontiers” for international investment. However, the Nigerian government has become increasingly committed to creating a conducive atmosphere for foreign franchise investment and, with effective counseling, franchisors can effectively negotiate their way through the thicket to the lucrative market within.