About HAR-CHE Business Solutions
Africa market entry and deal execution for serious operators.
HAR-CHE is an Africa-focused consultancy helping international companies enter, operate, and grow across the continent with confidence.
We specialise in the work that determines success or failure early on: permits and licences, government engagement, local partnership structuring, corridor checks and on-the-ground execution.
Based in London, we have supported projects in roughly 14 African countries, with core work in Guinea, DRC, Mozambique, Zambia, Ghana and the wider SADC and West African regions.
Our team combines deep African experience with practical insight into how ministries, regulators, and commercial players actually operate — not just how the rules are written.
WHAT WE DO
HAR-CHE’s mission is to give international companies the clarity, access and field support they need to succeed in African markets.
We help you navigate the realities that shape outcomes:
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Regulatory processes and “how files really move”
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Government expectations and political timelines
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Logistics corridors and FX exposure
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Community dynamics and local expectations
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Partnership structures and JV alignment
Our work turns complex environments into predictable, manageable pathways – so boards can take decisions with confidence.
We aim to:
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Remove uncertainty by mapping real regulatory and commercial conditions early
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Accelerate entry through well-structured permits, licences and government engagement
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Build durable partnerships with vetted local players and aligned JV frameworks
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Strengthen execution with field support, corridor checks and issue-resolution
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Align projects with ESG priorities and community expectations for long-term acceptance
HOW WE WORK
Our experience ensures clarity and precision
HAR-CHE’s strength lies in accumulated field knowledge. We combine technical, political and operational insight with years of on-the-ground work – in ministries, corridors, project sites and community meetings.
This allows us to cut noise, focus on what matters and give you clear, practical options.
Africa-wide in reach, tailored in approach
Every African jurisdiction works differently – formally and informally. We design strategies that reflect local realities, sector requirements and the specific expectations of governments, communities and regulators in each country and region.
We look at the full picture
From permits and legal frameworks to logistics routes, FX rules, community dynamics and political calendars, we consider every dimension that can derail or de-risk a project. Our multidisciplinary view helps you avoid blind spots and surprises.
We partner with you, not just advise
We don’t just write notes and disappear. We support early assessments, join key meetings, back negotiations and stay involved during execution where needed. The goal is not only to deliver analysis, but to help your team move with confidence.
Founder – Harouna “Cherif”
HAR-CHE is led by Harouna “Cherif”, an Africa deal-maker with over 15 years’ experience across government, NGOs and private sector projects.
Harouna Cherif has worked on:
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Mining and critical minerals projects (gold, iron ore, cobalt, copper and others)
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Energy and power deals across Southern and Central Africa
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Infrastructure and corridor-related work
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Pharmaceutical and health system projects, including complex import and duty issues
Cherif has spent years dealing with ministries, regulators, local authorities and communities – not just in capital cities, but in operational zones and remote regions.
He speaks English, French, Russian, Lingala, Mandingo, Malinké and Swahili, and is comfortable moving between village meetings, boardrooms and ministerial offices.
“My role is to bridge what your board expects and what Africa can deliver – with honesty on both sides.”
EXAMPLES OF OUR WORK
Case 1 – Gold project – DRC
Supported the structuring of a JV and permit roadmap on a $100M+ gold project, aligning licence sequence, community expectations and investor timelines so the project could move from interest to execution.
Case 2 – Pharma route – West Africa
Helped a pharmaceutical operator redesign import and distribution routes, with an estimated £7M in potential duty and delay savings over the life of the project, while keeping regulators and partners aligned.
Case 3 – Energy deals – Southern Africa
Backed negotiations that led to three PPAs signed in under two months by preparing decision-makers, sequencing meetings with utilities and ministries and managing follow-up so files did not stall.