Abstract
The objective of the research was to determine how the the strategic management intervention of the African
Management Services Company (AMSCO) has contributed to improved profitability, growth and
sustainability of businesses in African countries. Businesses ranging from very small to multinational
subsidiaries that were involved in a three year AMSCO intervention were selected to participate in the study.
Self-administered questionnaires as well financial and other records and documents of 55 participating
businesses resulted in the findings that the intervention, especially with the placement of the AMSCO
managers, was instrumental in successfully transferring business and management skills to local employees
within these enterprises and organisations. During and after the intervention the profitability, growth,
sustainability, employment numbers and retention of the majority of the businesses increased and training
became a norm.