All types of capital are needed in Africa — but each must be deployed with intention. Understanding the purpose of capital ensures it achieves its desired impact.‍ ‍

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After traveling from west to east to southern Africa, one of my core takeaways is this: The best and brightest in Africa can compete with the best and brightest anywhere in the world.

There is a significant gap between perceived and actual risk in Africa, driven by generalized fears that don’t reflect the uniqueness of its 54 countries. As a result, despite being home to 11 of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies, Africa remains underinvested, with only 0.5% of global private equity and venture capital flowing there — leaving valuations low and substantial opportunity on the table.

African entrepreneurs aren’t just building companies – they’re also building the scaffolding that makes every real business work. It’s slowed down returns in the past, but through innovations in infrastructure and blended finance, African businesses in 5+ years could see exponential valuation growth as the pathway to profitability becomes easier.  

Uganda has an extraordinary concentration of high-caliber talent with the potential to drive significant economic growth, but the government needs to give them the freedom to do so.

Kenya is on the cusp of a generational economic transformation, but it’s most likely not a 3–5 year, 10x-return market. It is a 7–12 year play, where capital deployed today can capture deeply undervalued assets and ride long-term structural tailwinds.

As I stepped off the plane, I was blown away at how clean and green Rwanda is. Imagine a rainforest after rainy season with perfectly paved roads, zero trash, and people cleaning the sidewalks. I would soon learn Rwanda's slogan: This is Rwanda, expect more. So, what makes Rwanda a great investment opportunity?

I believe that Africa will be the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime for five reasons: People. Market Size. Macroeconomic Trends. Structural Shifts in the Capital Markets. Valuations.