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Who We Are
Who Owns Whom
Who Owns Whom (WOW) was established in 1980 as an independent organisation producing high quality, original research on African industry and business.
Our Solutions
WOW solutions inform key business functions
Market Intelligence and Strategy
Gain valuable insight into target industries, new opportunities and understand potential vertical and horizontal expansion opportunities.
Know Your Customer/Supplier
Corroborate information supplied by customers, prospective customers and suppliers.
Compliance and Risk
Independent third-party corroboration of ownership and statutory information
M&A, FDI and Private Equity
Identify, understand and monitor investment changes and opportunities across the African continent.
Learning Solutions
Use industry reports as a basis for an analysis of key success factors, pain points and competitive landscape of African industries.
Media
Most recent articles
BlogCountries Public administration and defence compulsory social securitySouth Africa
South Africa’s security industry: A puzzle worth unravelling
No one can build his security upon the nobleness of another person” – Willa Cather Contents [hide] Security is an integral part of society, yet it is often taken for...
BlogCountries Electricity gas steam and air conditioning supplySouth Africa
South Africa’s Maritime Sector: Growth, Green Tech & Global Competition
Contents [hide] There is no doubt that the maritime transport sector is an important keg in the South African economic wheel. According to the Who Owns Whom report on maritime...
BlogCountries Human health and social work activitiesSouth Africa
The cleaning products industry – trends and sustainability
Contents [hide] Making soap is a simple process of adding caustic soda to water and mixing it with oil, yet the industry has become one of the most essential and...
BlogCountries Electricity gas steam and air conditioning supplySouth Africa
The Energy Sector in Namibia: Projects, Investment & the Drive for 80 % Local Supply
Contents [hide] Namibia’s move towards reducing energy import dependency Who Owns Whom’s report on the energy sector in Namibia highlights the country’s forward-looking economic development policy addressing its dependency on...
BlogCountries Arts entertainment and recreationSouth Africa
The event management industry in South Africa and the impact of technology and geopolitical shifts
Contents [hide] Events such as conferences were organised very differently in the 1990s compared to now. Simple examples such as confirming attendance and enhancing value for delegates have resulted in...
BlogCountries South AfricaWholesale and retail trade repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles
South Africa’s Food Retail & Wholesale Market 2025: Growth, Trends, and Challenges
Contents [hide] Who Owns Whom’s report on the wholesale and retail of food in South Africa highlights critical shifts in the industry amid ongoing debates about VAT increases. With food...
Accommodation and food service activitiesSouth Africa
South Africa’s Travel & Tourism Industry in 2025: Trends, Growth, and Challenges
Read MoreAdministrative and support activitiesSouth Africa
Regulation and oversight in accounting – balancing fairness, stability and economic growth
Read More