
Talk Commerce · 2026-06-02 · 23 min
Brent Peterson sits down with Kanessa Muluneh , the founder of Nyle Investment Group , to discuss what it really takes to build businesses and invest across the African continent. From navigating trust issues and cultural differences to launching a gaming company and a vitamin brand, this conversation covers the rewards and realities of emerging market investment. Whether you're a business owner exploring international expansion or a member of the diaspora considering a return to your roots, this episode delivers practical wisdom you won't find in a textbook. Key Takeaways Africa offers significant ROI, but requires serious due diligence. Kanessa stresses that the returns on investment across African markets can be substantial, yet the risks are equally real. Working with the wrong professionals or skipping proper vetting can lead to financial loss. PR and marketing expertise can transform small businesses. Kanessa's first investment involved trading her marketing skills for equity in a small plumbing company. That trade turned into a thriving business and sparked her career as an investor. The diaspora plays a critical role in Africa's economic growth.