Which African countries lead in local pharmaceutical manufacturing?
Africa’s pharmaceutical sector continues to evolve, with local manufacturing gradually expanding but still falling short of meeting demand. The continent remains heavily import-dependent, with domestic production currently addressing only around 30% of total pharmaceutical needs.
In a recent project for a global healthcare client, africon analyzed Africa’s pharmaceutical manufacturing landscape to identify opportunities for investment and partnership.
Indo-German Business Magazine 2|2025
The second edition of the Indo-German Business Magazine (IGBM) for 2025 spotlights a theme of growing geopolitical relevance: Defence and Strategic Cooperation between India and Germany. In an era defined by complex security dynamics and technological leaps, this issue brings together voices from both nations—governments, defence experts, industry leaders, and institutions—to explore the future of bilateral collaboration. From cybersecurity and maritime partnerships to joint production and innovation, this edition offers insight into the shared vision shaping the Indo-German strategic landscape.
Africa is home to 345+ billion-dollar companies
According to McKinsey’s Reimagining Economic Growth in Africa report, Africa is home to at least 345 companies generating over $1 billion in annual revenue, with more than 40% headquartered in South Africa. The report further estimates that these large companies could collectively increase their revenues by over $550 billion by 2030, reflecting the continent’s dynamic business landscape. africon GmbH has complemented these findings with additional Africa-specific insights, including the breakdown of ownership structures: 44% of these companies are publicly traded, 40% are privately held, and 16% are state-owned.
How to Hire in Saudi Arabia Legally: A Step-by-Step Guide
Employers in Saudi Arabia are increasingly required to navigate a more digital governed recruitment process. In 2025, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) introduced several updates that require companies to use platforms like Qiwa for posting vacancies, verifying candidate eligibility, and finalizing employment contracts. These changes apply across sectors and cover both Saudi nationals and expatriate hires.
UAE’s Virtual Work Visa: Working Remotely from the UAE
As digital work becomes the norm for professionals worldwide, the UAE has a compelling residency route tailored for you: the Virtual Work Visa. It is designed for foreign nationals employed outside the UAE and enables individuals to live in the UAE for up to a year, without needing a local sponsor or employer.
It allows professionals to maintain overseas employment and also accessing a wide range of UAE services, infrastructure, and quality of life. The scheme is open to all nationalities and can be renewed on expiry.
Hiring Employees in India: A 2025 Guide for Global Businesses
India is prioritizing workforce formalization and digital governance in 2025, bringing new rules and regulations around employment. For both foreign and domestic employers, a clear understanding of hiring employees—across sectors, contract types, and legal jurisdictions—is essential to ensure compliance and maintain profitability.
How to Legally Employ and Pay Foreign Workers in Indonesia
Indonesia’s growing economy and its openness to foreign investment have made it an attractive destination for international businesses. Many of these companies rely on foreign professionals to manage operations, transfer technical expertise, or oversee regional expansion.
To hire foreign workers legally, companies must navigate a structured process that includes satisfying employer eligibility rules, securing work permits and stay visas, drafting compliant contracts, and meeting tax and social security obligations.
Indian Cities Outpace Major Global Destinations in Tech Talent and Labor Index
India is improving its status as a global tech talent hub, with Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi-NCR leading in both availability and quality of technology professionals, according to Colliers’ 2025 report.
In the recently published “Global Tech Markets: Top Talent Locations 2025” report by Colliers, India has emerged as a leading hub for technology talent. The report, released on July 10, 2025, evaluated more than 200 markets worldwide and found that Indian cities are leading in areas such as talent acquisition, talent density (measured per capita), and office space leasing.
China’s New Vocational Skills Training Initiative: Opportunities for FIEs
China’s new Vocational Skills Training Initiative (2025–2027) aims to upgrade workforce capabilities across strategic sectors, improve labor inclusion, and align training with market needs. For foreign investors, it offers enhanced access to skilled talent and new opportunities in education, training, and industry partnerships.
Appointment of Foreign Nationals as Company Directors in India: A Legal Checklist
As foreign enterprises broaden their operations in India, many opt to appoint foreign nationals as company directors in their Indian entities.
While Indian law permits foreign nationals to serve as company directors, the appointment process entails several legal and procedural requirements. Companies must adhere to regulations concerning documentation, taxation, visa approvals, and statutory filings to ensure the appointment is valid and fully compliant. A clear understanding of these obligations is critical to enabling a smooth and legally sound onboarding process.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS – EXECUTIVE SEARCH AND HR TRENDS IN POLAND
Poland remains the preferred investment location for international companies in Central and Eastern Europe. For example, over 50% of German companies pursuing market entry strategies in Eastern Europe identify Poland as a key target region. This translates to an increased demand for qualified executives in the country. The talent pool is small, while the demand for culturally sensitive, highly educated leaders is high.
A GERMAN-BASED INNOVATIVE MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY MANUFACTURER HAS APPOINTED CT EXECUTIVE TO LEAD THE SEARCH FOR A NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR IN INDIA
CT Executive Search
The Indian medical technology market is among the fastest-growing worldwide. As of 2023, it has reached a volume of approximately USD 11.8 billion. Fore casts predict that the market will more than double by 2030, surpassing USD 20 billion, with an average annual growth rate exceeding 10%. Despite this growth, around 70% of medical technology products continue to be imported. This creates significant opportunities for building local production and distribution structures.
KATJA WEHMEYER JOINS CT EXECUTIVE SEARCH EUROPE AS HEAD OF STRATEGIC RELATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT
Katja Wehmeyer joined the Berlin-based team at CT Executive Search as Head of Strategic Relations and Development in May 2025. Katja is responsible for expanding strategic partnerships in the field of international trade, particularly, with business associations, chambers of commerce, law firms, and consulting companies. Together with key stakeholders, she will strengthen the practical, knowledge-driven dialogue around international executive recruitment.
An Introduction to Doing Business in Indonesia 2025
Indonesia stands at the forefront of economic opportunity in Southeast Asia. With a population nearing 300 million, a growing middle class, and ongoing industrial transformation, the country offers an expansive market and a strategic gateway into the wider ASEAN region.
An Introduction to Doing Business in Indonesia 2025 covers the following:
- Indonesia’s New Positive Investment List
- Human resources and payroll
- Corporate establishment
- Taxation
Saudi Arabia Revises Labor Law Penalties to Strengthen Workplace Compliance
Saudi Arabia proposed updated labor law amendments, including penalties to address workplace violations and enhance occupational safety standards.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) in Saudi Arabia has issued a proposal to revise penalties for a range of violations under the Labor Law. The new structure reflects amendments to 38 articles, removal of seven provisions, and addition of two new regulations, all designed to clarify employer obligations and streamline enforcement.
How Expats in Shenzhen Can Apply for the GBA IIT Subsidy in 2025?
The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) individual income tax (IIT) subsidy for foreign talents working in the region kicked off in Shenzhen on June 1, 2025. Covering the tax paid above the standard 15 percent rate, the program aims to attract top global talent. This article provides a step-by-step guide to help expats understand eligibility requirements, prepare application documents, and submit their claims for the 2024 tax year before the July 31 deadline.
Avoid Excess Tax Deductions in India: NRI Guide to Lower TDS Certificates
NRIs earning income from India can avoid high default TDS rates by applying for a lower or nil deduction certificate under Section 197 of the Income Tax Act.
Non-resident Indians (NRIs) earning income in India, from rent and interest to capital gains and professional fees, often face disproportionately high Tax Deducted at Source (TDS). This occurs because TDS is usually applied at the maximum marginal rate (20–30 percent plus surcharge and cess), regardless of deductions, exemptions, or Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) benefits.
However, eligible NRIs can apply for a lower or nil TDS certificate under Section 197 of the Income Tax Act, 1961, ensuring that tax is deducted only at the applicable rate.
Saudi Arabia Raises Wage Subsidies to 50 Percent for 63 Tourism-Related Jobs
Saudi Arabia has expanded its wage subsidy program to cover 50 percent of salaries for 63 tourism-related occupations. This move aims to boost Saudization and empower the national workforce for Vision 2030 reforms.
On May 25, 2025, Saudi Arabia’s Human Resources Development Fund (HADAF) and the Ministry of Tourism announced an expansion in the wage subsidy initiative aimed at nationalizing jobs in the tourism sector.
The wage subsidy initiative falls under the National Transformation Program and Tourism Human Capital Development Strategy, designed to increase the attractiveness of tourism jobs for Saudi nationals.
Beyond Salary: Holistic Approaches to Talent Retention in China
Retaining top talent in China goes beyond offering competitive pay. For foreign investors, long-term success requires holistic workforce strategies addressing evolving employee needs. This article explores creative non-monetary solutions—from career development and flexible work policies to wellness initiatives—fueling sustainable growth and reducing turnover.
The Role of a Managing Director in Lithuania: BETWEEN EMPLOYMENT AND CORPORATE LAW
Hans Lauschke, Associate, bnt attorneys in CEE, Vilnius office
The legal status of a managing director in Lithuania is characterized by a dual re lationship. On the one hand, the managing director acts as a representative of the company on a corporate law basis. On the other hand, Lithuanian law requires that an employment contract must be concluded with the managing director. This creates an additional employment relationship—even if the managing director is also the sole shareholder.
LITHUANIA IS INCREASINGLY SEEN AS A STRATEGIC PARTNER
Dominic Otto, Deputy Managing Director of the German-Baltic Chamber of Commerce, Lithuania Office
Could you comment on the German business community's presence in Lithuania, as well as the key sectors driving economic cooperation between Germany and Lithuania?
German business is especially well represented in Lithuania in the fields of metal processing and the automotive industry. Companies such as Hella and Continental operate production facilities in Lithuania and are among the most important German investors in the country.
BALTIC COMPANIES PREFER TO HIRE EXECUTIVES FROM THEIR OWN COUNTRY
Kateryna Aleksiuk, Director Ukraine & Baltics, CT Executive Search
Kateryna, how would you describe the current economic situation in Lithuania, particularly in terms of the demand for executives?
Lithuania is showing positive economic indicators, which are driving an increase in demand for qualified executives. According to the Ministry of Finance of Lithuania, GDP growth in 2025 is projected to be 2.8%. This growth is stimulating business expansion, which, in turn, raises the need for experienced leaders who can effectively manage the development of companies.
From Traditional Manufacturing to Intelligent Systems: Talent Strategy and Operational Restructuring
As China accelerates its transition to smart and green manufacturing, the sector’s greatest challenge is no longer just technological adoption—but talent. This article explores how businesses must adapt their China manufacturing talent strategy, from skill diversification and education-industry alignment to employer branding and AI-driven talent analytics, to stay competitive in a digitally and environmentally driven era.
Slide of the month (SOTM). Which country in Africa has the highest number of large gas projects?
Africa’s oil and gas sector remains a key focus of global interest, with natural gas emerging as a primary target for investment. Many countries hold substantial reserves, and governments are actively driving large-scale gas projects across the continent.
Building Localized Recruiting Strategies to Succeed in China’s Evolving Labor Market
Businesses operating in China face unique challenges that necessitate localized recruiting strategies. By adapting to local cultural nuances, regulatory environments, and digital trends, foreign invested enterprises can better navigate the complexities of the Chinese market, attract top talent, and build a more resilient workforce.
