Africa Is Not “Potential: Here’s Why Investors Are Already Winning

Jan 21, 2026

01:34:37

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$750,000 became $40 million in six years.
That's what happens when you stop betting on Africa's "potential" — and start betting on what's already working.
Ibrahim Sagna managed $37 billion at Africa Eximbank. Then he left to build Silverbacks Holdings. 10 exits since 2019. Flutterwave at 24x. Lemfi at 29x. Moov at 5.1x.
His thesis? Possible → Probable → Inevitable.
In this episode, we break down why Africa has been profitable for centuries, why capital has always known it, and why founders and investors are finally structuring exits that prove it.
From colonial extraction to modern venture capital. From seven cars to forty thousand. From early-stage angels to billion-dollar platforms.
We cover how African startups move from possible to inevitable, why distribution beats raw talent, and why storytelling is one of the most undervalued assets on the continent.
For founders, operators, investors, and anyone tired of hearing that Africa is still "loading."
It's not.

About Ibrahim Sagna
Ibrahim Sagna is Executive Chairman of Silverbacks Holdings, a private investment firm allocating capital across tech, entertainment, and sports. Since 2019, the firm has delivered 10 profitable exits.
Before Silverbacks, Ibrahim spent 26 years at Africa Eximbank running the investment banking division. He also hosts the In The Valley podcast.
Landmark investments include Moove — a global mobility fintech backed by Uber, operating in 29+ cities across five continents — and Wave Mobile Money, backed by Stripe.

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