

George Rzepecki – Investing in Africa - [Invest Like the Best, EP.146
Nov 5, 2019
George Rzepecki, founder and managing partner of Raba, shares his insights on investing in Africa's early-stage companies. He discusses the continent's youthful demographics and significant growth potential, alongside the challenges it faces. Rzepecki highlights the impacts of technology and international investment, particularly from China, on economic development. He also explores the transformative roles of venture capital and charitable foundations, illustrating how strategic investments could uplift local communities and drive sustainable growth.
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George's Journey to Africa
- George Rzepecki's interest in emerging markets began in 2006 while working at Goldman Sachs in Bangalore.
- Witnessing the rapid development and entrepreneurial spirit in East Africa further fueled his interest in 2013.
Common Investment Opportunities in Africa
- Despite Africa's diversity, common investment opportunities exist, particularly in foundational areas like supply chains and logistics.
- These areas suffer from low tech penetration, high friction, and significant costs.
Reasons for Africa's Lag and Recent Changes
- Africa's lag in development is partly due to limited technology and infrastructure historically.
- Increased Chinese investment, including infrastructure projects and education initiatives, is driving significant change.