5 Real Ways to Invest in Africa’s Future — Inspired by Burkina Faso
In this article, you’ll learn:
Why Burkina Faso’s model matters
How collective action can start today
5 simple steps to invest in Black‑owned ventures
Your next moves (with MBG as your plug)
From Rabbit Hole to Inspiration
How Tayo Aina’s video sparked a movement
I fell down a YouTube rabbit hole a few weeks ago, and ended up somewhere I didn’t expect. You know how that goes—one click leads to another, and suddenly it’s 2 AM.
It started with a video by Tayo Aina — a documentary-style feature on Burkina Faso. I was expecting the usual travel cinematography. But what I saw? What I felt? It went deeper.
Why Burkina Faso Matters
Burkina Faso, the land of upright people, is often painted in mainstream media as a country struggling with poverty, political tension, and instability.
But if you’ve been paying attention lately, a new narrative is emerging — one led by the people.
A government that says no to foreign interference and yes to reinvesting in its economy.
A culture of creatives, farmers, and entrepreneurs building systems with what they have, not waiting for what they lack.
And from President Ibrahim Traoré’s speeches to Tayo Aina’s lens, the message is clear:
“Ownership means Roots. Direction. Power. Generational Wealth”
So… What If We Actually Built Wealth Together?
We’ve all talked about the idea of building together before.
But what if we stopped waiting for “the right time” and started acting now?
Our networks and inner circle are bubbling with professionals and experts from creatives to accountants.
What if we pooled our resources — our knowledge, our money, our skills — to invest in businesses in Ghana, Cameroon, Nigeria, and even here in the diaspora?
What if supporting Black-owned meant more than buying a lip gloss or posting a review?
What if it meant investing?
Here’s how we’re starting — and how you can too.
5 Ways To Invest In Our Future
You don’t need millions, you only need momentum and action.
Let’s break down 5 real ways to put your money (and energy) where your values are:
1. Start with what you know — your circle.
Your people are your network, your accountability, your community.
Start a group chat.
Research sectors you care about.
Start dreaming out loud and together.
“My girls and I are now researching sectors and founders we align with. We’ve made a decision: no more talk, it’s action only.”
2. Support Brands That Are Building, Not Just Selling
Yes — buying Black-owned matters. But what’s even more impactful? Supporting brands that are reinvesting their profit into their people and their communities.
Brands like Hertunba and R&R skincare, and others across the continent are:
Training artisans,
Building production locally,
Creating co-ops, and
Reducing reliance on foreign supply chains.
Shifting your everyday habits:
Can you switch your go-to beauty brand to a Black-owned one?
Can you source gifts from an African brand?
Can you follow and support founders innovating from the continent?
“MBG makes this easier. Our directory helps you filter by location, category, and budget — it’s discovery, simplified.”
3. Support The People Building Already
We shouldn’t wait for investors who don’t share our values to decide which Black-owned businesses are “worth it.” We are the investors.
Find the ones doing the work. Fund them. Share them. Collaborate.
Some platforms we love:
Kwanda – collective micro-investing in Black-led initiatives across Africa and the diaspora.
Thundafund – Africa’s leading crowdfunding platform supporting African businesses and creatives
Future Africa – investing in African innovators building scalable solutions
MBG – our home. Our plug. A discovery platform for finding and supporting African and Black-owned businesses.
“Even £5 counts when it’s consistent. When it’s collective.
It’s not about how much — it’s about how many of us do it.”
4. Travel Consciously — Leave a Footprint That Uplifts
You can still live softly, book that trip, enjoy every moment and make it count.
From Detty December to solo escapes, your travel plans can help build the continent too:
Shop local.
Find brands on the ground with MBG’s Black-owned directory.
Visit concept stores like The Lotte or Base Lounge.
Book local tour guides and Airbnbs owned by locals
Support boutique hotels and homegrown eateries.
Tip generously.
We’re not just tourists anymore — we’re part of the ecosystem.
5. Be a Connector, Not Just a Consumer
You don’t need to be the biggest spender — just be someone who shares the gems.
Repost.
Review.
Recommend.
Sometimes, the best investment is visibility.
Know a brand doing great work? Drop it in your group chat. Tag it on your story. Nominate it to MBG. Talk about it loudly.
Also — if you have a platform, a network, or even just experience, consider:
Mentoring a founder
Offering consulting
Sharing your audience
Because community is currency. And the more we plug each other in, the more we all rise.
