Ethicore

South Africa

Most of the top firms in Africa are generalists, equally adept at the corporate and consumer sides of the business, which is what you might expect in a still emerging market. But there is a growing market for specialization, and Ethicore has carved out a nicely lucrative niche for itself in the public affairs space, drawing on a deep understanding of the complex political landscapes across Africa, and an approach that emphasizes global standards of governance and ethics.

Ethicore was established in 2009, when Abdul Waheed Patel drew on his experience with state institutions, statutory policy think tanks, and local political organizations to create a pioneering public affairs consultancy during President Jacob Zuma’s rise to power. From those early days, Ethicore’s approach emphasized transparent and evidence-based public-private policy engagement—believing that such an approach would strengthen South Africa’s democracy and encourage better relationships between business and political leaders across the continent.

Over 15 years, Ethicore has evolved from a niche consultancy into a market-leading firm with headquarters in Cape Town (South Africa’s legislative capital) and Johannesburg (the country’s economic hub). The firm has expanded its reach continent-wide through its African Government Affairs Exchange (Africa GX), a multi-country government affairs collective dedicated to Africa, and has operated in 29 of Africa’s 54 countries. Over that time it has served more than 120 clients, including more than 25 trade associations. It now employs a team of 72.

The firm has been invited to join the OECD’s “Trusted Dialogue Group on Getting Influence Right” in 2021, the only African firm among a select few globally, and has been engaged in the OECD Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum for six years. Interesting client work includes the Health Promotion Levy (Sugar Tax) Campaign for Pioneer Foods, securing an exemption for unsweetened fruit juices while engaging with the Ministry of Health, National Treasury, and relevant parliamentary committees. It also worked on regulatory Advisory for Electrolux during its acquisition of Kwikot, South Africa’s market leader in solar water heater manufacturing.—Paul Holmes