Investing in Africa —Like any other investor, I want to put my money where the future is. Whether that means backing new technologies, investing in emerging industries, or finding growing marketplace opportunities, I move with that goal in mind. Often, the future can be found where populations are growing. And recently, growth has been taking place in Africa.
I’m especially excited to announce my investment in Musha Ventures, a VC fund that focuses on early-stage investments in Africa’s emerging technology companies.

A Growing Talent Pool
Why is no one talking about Africa? All I hear is chatter about Tesla’s dominance in electric vehicles or the new darling of Wall Street insiders, cryptocurrency. Of course, I want to benefit from access to all the tech plays, crypto craze and innovation-driven business growth coming out of Silicon Valley; that’s why I have invested in Cathie Wood’s ARK ETFs. But recently, I looked at my overall portfolio and felt that something was missing. None of my other investments were poised to capture what will surely be growth and advancement in the African economy. But that’s where Musha Ventures thrives.

More and more people are moving to cities; urban mobilization is consistently increasing, and the IFC predicts that 45% of Africa’s population will be living in cities by 2025. Concurrent to the urbanization has been a steady uptick in Internet and smartphone penetration. In 2018, Internet penetration grew to 24%—a staggering increase from 2.1% in 2015. 50% of the population has mobile phone access, a number that’s quickly growing before our eyes, and with that, access to digital finance.
Technical talent pools are growing rapidly, and a more distributed workforce will improve the flow of global talent, helping local business develop and scale.
The Musha Approach
Close to Home

Aadil is one of the most engaged and focused investors I know. Through his wide-ranging experience, he’s built a strong network of co-investors, founders, and local entrepreneurs. Having spent time as a product manager, a global operator, and a Kenyan local, he has the kind of unique perspective that helps him relate to founders all over the world.
I’m thrilled to now be investing in Aadil’s venture, not only because he is brilliant, but also because this investment is one that hits close to home for me as well. My parents emigrated from East Africa under a Ugandan dictatorship. Investing in Africa resonates with me on an intellectual and personal level. I quickly recognized in Aadil a shared agenda, and a kind of empower-through-investment strategy that matches up with my own.
In summary, the foundational companies that Musha Ventures has recognized could easily be global market leaders in 5-10 years. I think that’s often how change works—slowly, at first, and then all at once. Through Musha Ventures, investors can find those companies early and make real impact for a true win-win. So far, it’s been my pleasure to work with Aadil and the Musha Ventures team. I look forward to continuing to watch the future unfold in front of me.
You can find out more info here.