The Institute of Retirement Funds (IRF) Conference wrapped up with a bang on Tuesday, beating enough drums to awaken many of the industry's protagonists from their slumber.

Many people have wondered what it would be like to start their own business. Being their own boss, being in control of their life, and most importantly earning the salary they’ve always wanted, all seem like good reasons to start their own company.

This, following a recent judgement in the Labour Appeal Court (LAC), there is likely to be a flurry of unfair labour practice disputes at the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation and Arbitration (CCMA) relating to travel and other allowances. Bonelela Mgudlwa, Senior Associate at pan-African corporate law firm Bowman Gilfillan, explained that the LAC ruled that, broadly put, an allowance is a benefit and consequently the CCMA has jurisdiction to adjudicate related disputes.

According to the 2012 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) Women’s Report, in 2012, an estimated 126 million women were starting or running new businesses in 67 economies around the world. In addition, an estimated 98 million were running established businesses. Across the regions, Sub-Saharan Africa exhibits the highest average intentions, with 52% of women possessing the intension to start a business in the next three years.

Africa is not for sissies, but it presents a land of opportunity for those who are prepared to invest in the growing economies that comprise the continent. Doing business in Africa requires an understanding of the nuances of the role of politics, cultural and socio-economic attributes in business and the role of business in shaping these contextual issues.