257: Is Africa Actually Difficult, or Just Different? with Curt Laird

In this episode, Brett sits down with Curt Laird to tackle a core question facing investors and entrepreneurs across the continent: Is doing business in Africa actually difficult, or simply different? Curt brings a rare depth of firsthand experience in frontier and emerging markets. Having spent years building and operating businesses in high-stakes, complex environments—navigating ventures in Afghanistan, transitioning through West Africa in Nigeria, and establishing operations in Kenya—Curt offers a grounded, practitioner's view of what it truly takes to build sustainable enterprises in dynamic economies. Together, they discuss moving past conventional assumptions, understanding local context, and developing the resilience required to thrive where others see insurmountable barriers. The Afghanistan thread matters. Someone who built a business there until the Taliban made it impossible, then picked themselves up and went to Nigeria, then Kenya — that is a person with a very specific kind of resilience and a very specific set of filters for what "difficult" actually means. Is Africa really difficult? Based on principles in my new book: https://a.co/d/01FbgINs Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

In this episode, I’m joined by Anthony Farr, the founding CEO of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and the Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy Africa. Anthony has spent years at the forefront of entrepreneurship in Africa, focusing on how we can foster high-impact leaders to drive systemic change. We dive into a critical shift in perspective: why the "ecosystem" is the true investment when it comes to de-risking opportunities on the continent. I share my thoughts on moving beyond capital alone, as we explore the power of partnership and the importance of building robust support structures that allow African entrepreneurs to thrive long-term. If you’re interested in the future of African investment and how a collaborative approach can unlock prosperity, you won't want to miss this conversation. Based on principles in my new book: https://a.co/d/01FbgINs Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

Is the capital stack truly stacked in favor of the stewards, or are we building on a shaky foundation? In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of investment in Africa, moving beyond just "investing in" to "investing with" the vibrancy of the continent. Joined by Amon Munyaneza, we unpack the critical role of property rights, the nuances of the capital stack, and how biblical stewardship can redefine the economic landscape for lasting impact. Whether you're an investor, a business leader, or someone passionate about Africa’s prosperity, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on building systems that actually transform society. Based on principles in my new book: https://a.co/d/01FbgINsConnect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

South Africa is at a point of inflection. For years, the "land issue" has been a source of uncertainty and fear for both domestic and international investors. In this episode, I sit down with members of parliament Wayne Thring and Steven Swart from the ACDP to unpack the reality of land reform, the shift toward property rights, and why the "ship is starting to turn." We discuss the 1% productivity statistic, the move toward title deeds in townships, and how biblical principles of restitution are the key to a prosperous future. If you've been "waiting and seeing" with South African investment, this is a must-watch. Based on principles from my new book: https://a.co/d/072ZGiOd Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

Is "Investing IN Africa" a fundamentally broken concept? In this episode, Franck Mwenda joins me to discuss why we must pivot to "Investing WITH Africa." We explore the shift from extractive models to collaborative capital and how building local ecosystems is the only sustainable way to unlock the continent's true potential. It's time to stop looking for exits and start looking for partnerships. Based on the principles in my new book: https://a.co/d/09FUIHxA Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

Despite billions being invested in Africa, relatively little is focused on the Cosmos Mandate or the third strand of the Great Commission. Can the African Diaspora help address this? We dive into the ten spheres of society and why the next generation of African wealth isn't just about money—it's about reclamation. Based on the principles in my new book: https://a.co/d/09FUIHxA Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

What if the world’s "riskiest" market is actually your greatest opportunity for Kingdom impact? Henry Kaestner joins me to discuss why he is "bullish" on Africa. We dive into the shift from de-risking to "re-risking," the power of marketplace miracles, and why the next generation of African entrepreneurs is staying put to build their own backyards. Based on the principles in my new book: https://a.co/d/09FUIHxA Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

Are you investing in Africa, or with Africa? The difference could be the secret to your success. I sat down with serial entrepreneur Jon Kontz to discuss a profound shift in perspective: moving from extractive or philanthropic models to true partnership. We unpack why pacing, humility, and "ordered systems" thinking are essential for any investor looking at the next frontier. This series is inspired by my new book: https://a.co/d/09FUIHxA Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

What does it actually take to drive large-scale investment in Africa? In this episode I’m joined by Okey Enelamah, Chairman of African Capital Alliance and former Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment for Nigeria, to discuss the intersection of capital, leadership, and the immense potential of the African market. We explore what it takes to move beyond the surface and build something that lasts. Is the world underestimating Africa's economic power? Let's discuss. Be sure to check out my new book: https://a.co/d/09FUIHxA #InvestingWithAfrica #OkeyEnelamah #PrivateEquity #AfricanBusiness #WealthBuilding #PodcastConnect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

Why is the world looking at Africa, and why should you? In this introduction to my new podcast series, Investing with Africa, I’m diving deep into the themes of my new book to uncover the real opportunities and shifts happening across the continent. Are you ready to see Africa through a different lens? Let’s explore the future of global wealth together. Be sure to check out my new book: https://a.co/d/09FUIHxA #InvestingWithAfrica #AfricanEconomy #WealthBuilding #BrettJohnson #GlobalInvesting Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.