What words come to mind when you hear “Africa”?
I recently spoke with a friend who has spent over 40 years in global finance and investment, focused on emerging markets and sustainability. In a season when headlines highlight funding cuts and anxiety, it was refreshing to hear him say that Africa holds “a lot of good things.”
Here are a few insights from him, my research, and my encounters with others — perspectives that might help you rethink Africa, and re-examine how you make decisions.
Myth #1: “There’s no money in Africa.”
Yes—wars, corruption, and poverty exist. But infrastructure and technology are improving, and many ecosystems are scaling and thriving.
Examples include Sam (d.light), Robert (Villgro), and the emerging Biolinx ecosystem.
Africa’s GDP is projected to reach $3.6 trillion USD in 2025 and exceed $4.2 trillion by 2027 (Statista).
Myth #2: “Investing in Africa is too risky.”
Like anywhere, it depends on context.
My friend’s fund has invested in Angola for years with ~33% return and <1% default rate.
Yet when he presented the data to investors, many still preferred an 8% return in California over a 33% return in Angola. Facts were on the table — perception still won.
He shared why some large funds and global NGOs fail:
Decision makers stay in offices, review applications, and distribute money without ever setting foot on the ground.
“I never invest without physically visiting and investigating,” he said. “We work with locals.”
He continued:
“There is no shortage of successful projects. Entrepreneurs with little or no resources build local solutions with spare parts — and they work.”
“We help people generate wealth. When people grow, they hire others, and more people get better. It’s social capitalism.”
How does this relate to you?
If you’re a fund manager or investor, ask: Am I deciding based on facts or perception?
If you’re a leader or entrepreneur, ask: Have I understood — and engaged — the people who will live with the consequences?
For all of us, ask: What options am I comparing with?