S7 E5: Investing in Africa: iAfriKey’s Vision for Business Growth | Jesse Lesuer

How can African businesses connect with diaspora investors—and build the trust needed to grow? Jesse Lesuer, founder of iAfriKey, shares the organization’s vision for connecting African entrepreneurs with diaspora and global investors through business relationships, due diligence, and oversight. From his first trip to Ghana in 2019 to visiting businesses across the continent, Jesse explains what he has learned about local manufacturing, access to capital, and the importance of understanding an operation before investing. This conversation explores: • iAfriKey’s mission and approach to African business growth • Connecting diaspora capital with local entrepreneurs • Due diligence, transparency, and accountability • Adding value through agricultural processing and manufacturing • Opportunities in paper, plastics, and hygiene products • Jesse’s account of edible oil projects in Ethiopia • Tourism and agritourism concepts being evaluated in Ethiopia and Namibia • Building partnerships that benefit businesses and local communities Jesse also explains why enthusiasm alone is not enough: prospective investors need to understand the business, ask questions, and follow the appropriate verification process. CONNECT WITH iAfriKey https://www.iafrikey.com (https://www.iafrikey.com/) invest@iafrikey.com (267) 746-2486 Find iAfriKey on Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... https://www.instagram.com/iafrikey?st... https://youtube.com/@iafrikey?si=b7Ww... https://www.tiktok.com/@iafrikey?lang... https://x.com/iafrikey?s=11&t=gKP9PpO... What questions would you ask before investing in an African business? Leave them in the comments. This interview is for informational purposes, not an investment offer or financial advice. Project details and future plans reflect the guest’s statements at the time of recording. Investments involve risk, and funding and returns are not guaranteed. #iAfriKey #InvestingInAfrica #DiasporaInvestment #AfricanBusiness #Manufacturing