Encumbrances of the competitiveness of south African construction organisations in the business environment of other African countries

Abstract

The study aims to assess the challenges posed to the competitiveness of South African construction contractors in other African countries. This was instituted to formulate a pathway for the penetration of South African contractors into the business environment of other African countries. The study employed a quantitative method underpinned by a post-positivism philosophical approach using a questionnaire as the research instrument. The target respondent of the study was construction professionals, while the study area was Gauteng province of South Africa. The data analysis methods were mean item score, Kruskal-Wallis h-test, and Student Newman Kaul post hoc test. Findings from the study showed that the most significant challenges faced by South African construction organisations in exploring business opportunities in other African countries are collusive acts, high cost of financing, lack of technical skills, and difficulties in obtaining loans. Also, the difference in viewpoints given by the sampled professionals is outlined in the study’s findings. Based on the results obtained from the analysis, the study made recommendations that would aid the competitive capabilities of South African construction organisations in the business landscape of other African countries.