As businesses face increasingly crowded domestic markets, international expansion is becoming a priority, with 1 in 10 UK business leaders planning to go global within the next year. However, the complexities of political risks and stringent regulations present significant challenges. One key opportunity lies in Africa’s energy transition, particularly in green energy projects. These ventures, often involving joint ventures (JVs) with local firms, carry substantial risks due to geopolitical instability and governance issues. Effective due diligence and robust governance are crucial to mitigate risks, especially as firms must navigate both local and international regulations. Corruption and differing anti-bribery standards complicate operations further, potentially leading to reputational and legal repercussions for multinational companies (MNCs). Therefore, comprehensive risk mitigation strategies and tailored Directors and Officers (D&O) liability insurance are essential to safeguard these ventures and ensure long-term success.

As domestic markets become increasingly crowded and competitive, international expansion is rising up the boardroom agenda. Businesses’ international expansion plans were evidenced recently, with 1 in 10 UK business leaders saying they planned to expand their operations globally over the next 12 months.

However, expansion risks for boardroom executives have grown significantly as the threat landscape has become more complex with new political risks emerging and the rising tide of regulation coming into force. For executives leading businesses looking at international…