From $35K to $90M: The Truth About Building in Africa

"Building in Africa is hard”

That’s how Austin Okere opened the conversation. No fluff. No motivation lines. Just the truth.

He took $35,000 and turned it into a $90 million company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. But what it took to get there? Blood. Resilience. And an almost irrational belief in Africa.

Every line has blood behind it. Hear Austin unpack each one—the failures, wins and pivots on this week’s episode!

Here’s What They Don’t Tell You About Building in Africa:

You are not just building a company. You’re building the infrastructure to build the company. You’re dealing with weak systems, unpredictable laws, customers who need education, and an economy that shifts while you sleep.

One moment that defines Austin’s grit was how he and his team waited from 10am till midnight to pitch to Tony Elumelu. That level of persistence changed everything.

But despite how hard it is to build in Africa, Austin says Africa offers a vast plethora of opportunities far more than Western countries where things already exists.

What You'll Discover:

Austin doesn’t just trade in startup fantasies. He talks about real things that break dreams and also build empires:

• Add Headroom or Go Home - In Africa, nothing goes as planned—add 10-15% to everything, including your capital
• Profit on Paper Means Nothing - Exchange rates can erase success. Convert at current rates always
• Service is The Real Business - Deliver better. Charge what it’s worth. Trust compounds faster than capital.
• Partnerships Create Fortune - The right alliances—Dell, Finacle, MTN—turned CWG from vendor to giant
• Ethics Are Leverage - Keep your word. It attracts the kind of money shortcuts never will. He rejected $8M then built a $90M company!
• Legacy Over Luxury - Real billionaires impact a billion people, not bank a billion dollars.


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This episode is a masterclass in endurance, structure and integrity—told by someone who built through banking consolidation, GSM revolutions, near-collapse moments and a $90M public listing

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Warmly,
Chika & Eche
Co-Hosts, Afropolitan Podcast