A manager of Lonrho, a major African firm, says that “Africa is all about relationships. Africa does not trust commerce—it’s all done on relationships. It’s the only way to succeed.” (“Africa: Je-Setting to Business as Usual,” The Economist, November 8, 2008, pp. 44-45).
How would you explain this comment? Does it make sense that many new businesses of Lonrho in Africa are joint ventures with governments?