What this life looks like
You are the intelligence engine behind big decisions. Strategy Analysts research markets, analyse data, map competitive landscapes, and translate complex information into clear recommendations that help senior leaders make smart long-term choices. If you love deep thinking, research, and working on problems that shape entire organisations, this career is for you.
What she actually does
You gather and analyse market data, benchmark against competitors, build financial and strategic models, prepare board presentations and strategy documents, and support the implementation of major corporate initiatives. You work closely with senior executives and must translate quantitative data into compelling qualitative stories.
Where you can work
| Sector | Places in Africa |
|---|---|
| Corporate Strategy Teams | Ecobank Group, MTN Group, Old Mutual, Standard Bank, African Development Bank |
| Consulting Firms | McKinsey, BCG, Deloitte Strategy, Bain — all have strong analyst programmes |
| Development Finance | AfDB, IFC, African Export-Import Bank, Development Bank of Southern Africa |
| Investment Banks | Stanbic IBTC, Renaissance Capital Africa, Rand Merchant Bank, EFG Hermes |
Why it matters in Africa
As African corporations grow more sophisticated and face intensifying competition, the need for rigorous strategic planning has never been greater. Development finance institutions, pan-African banks, and multinational companies all need analysts who can think strategically about African markets, regional integration, and emerging consumer trends.
Your pathway in
- Study Economics, Business, Finance, or Mathematics — strong quantitative skills are essential
- Master Excel, PowerPoint, and basic data visualisation tools like Tableau or Power BI
- Read widely about business strategy — 'Good Strategy Bad Strategy' by Richard Rumelt is an excellent starting point
- Apply for analyst roles at consulting firms, corporate strategy teams, or investment banks after graduation
- Consider a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) qualification to complement strategic skills with financial depth
Skills you will need
- Analytical and quantitative thinking
- Data visualisation
- Strategic frameworks
- Excel and financial modelling
- Clear written communication
- Research methodology
A woman in this field
Vera Songwe
Cameroon
Vera is a global economist and former Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). She has been at the forefront of African economic policy for decades, shaping development strategies for governments and international organisations. Previously a Non-Resident Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution and senior official at the World Bank, she is recognised as one of the most powerful voices in African economic strategy.
Take your first step
- Start a habit of reading one economic or business article a day — The Economist, TechCabal, or African Business Magazine
- Learn Excel beyond the basics — pivot tables, VLOOKUP, and charts are foundational for any analyst
- Try building a simple competitive analysis of two businesses in your city — what are their strengths and weaknesses?
- Follow the African Development Bank and African Union Commission on social media for continental strategy news