Networking and knowledge creation in Nigeria : A case study of a Swedish company’s establishment in Nigeria

In this study the authors wanted to find out what role networking and knowledge play for a Swedish company that wants to enter the Nigerian market. This was done by using a qualitative approach and conducting interviews with HQS AB a Swedish company that entered Nigeria, the Swedish Trade Council and the Nigerian Embassy. No studies have previously been done about the internationalization process for a Swedish firm entering Nigeria therefore this essay provides empirical findings that can be useful for Swedish firms that want to enter Nigeria and for researchers within international business. The result from this study indicate that HQS AB had a successful market entry to Nigeria mainly because networking help them get in touch with partners that could add value by providing valuable connections that eventually helped HQS AB to start their business in Nigeria. Moreover, by attaining tacit knowledge in Nigeria, HQS AB managed to handle challenges in Nigeria such as the complex bureaucracy system and the business culture in the country.