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Gerhard Visagie trained as a chartered accountant, which means somewhere a balance sheet is grateful. He spent over a decade in South African agrifood private equity before deciding the real opportunity wasn't one sector but a continent, and around 2007 he conceived of and later incorporated Paladin Africa in 2013, launched in 2022, now running money out of Stellenbosch and Kigali, in both private equity and listed African stocks. Paladin calls what it does “Capital with Purpose.” That could be a slogan. Then you look at who they actually fund: a school in Rwanda that forms children academically, spiritually and socially. A ministry that puts bicycles and motorcycles under preachers so they can reach the villages a car can't. A retreat that offers, in their words, quiet spiritual care. This is not a diversity page. This is a man investing his theology, not just his thesis. I've spent this whole series asking what it means to invest with Africa instead of in it. Gerhard may have an answer I haven't heard yet, because his version of “with” runs through the Church as much as it runs through the balance sheet. Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

Most conversations about investing in Africa focus on the entrepreneur, the deal, or the sector. My guest today is thinking about the layer above all of that — the architecture that allows capital to flow to multiple managers, across multiple ventures, in a way that individual investors simply cannot replicate on their own. Jonathan Wilson is a Canadian fund manager who has spent significant time working in South Africa and across the continent. As Co-Founder and Executive Chair of Third Way Capital, he backs a portfolio of African entrepreneurs — around seven at present — and he is now exploring a fund-of-funds structure that would allow a wider pool of investors to access Africa-focused fund managers they could never reach or evaluate on their own. It is a quiet but important idea. Most Africa-focused funds are too small to attract serious institutional attention individually. Most individual investors with genuine interest in Africa cannot do rigorous due diligence across multiple fund managers simultaneously. A bolting—together—of—funds does not just solve a capital problem. It solves a trust and knowledge problem — and in Africa, those are often the same problem. Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

In this episode, Brett sits down with Curt Laird to tackle a core question facing investors and entrepreneurs across the continent: Is doing business in Africa actually difficult, or simply different? Curt brings a rare depth of firsthand experience in frontier and emerging markets. Having spent years building and operating businesses in high-stakes, complex environments—navigating ventures in Afghanistan, transitioning through West Africa in Nigeria, and establishing operations in Kenya—Curt offers a grounded, practitioner's view of what it truly takes to build sustainable enterprises in dynamic economies. Together, they discuss moving past conventional assumptions, understanding local context, and developing the resilience required to thrive where others see insurmountable barriers. The Afghanistan thread matters. Someone who built a business there until the Taliban made it impossible, then picked themselves up and went to Nigeria, then Kenya — that is a person with a very specific kind of resilience and a very specific set of filters for what "difficult" actually means. Is Africa really difficult? Based on principles in my new book: https://a.co/d/01FbgINs Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

In this episode, I’m joined by Anthony Farr, the founding CEO of the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and the Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy Africa. Anthony has spent years at the forefront of entrepreneurship in Africa, focusing on how we can foster high-impact leaders to drive systemic change. We dive into a critical shift in perspective: why the "ecosystem" is the true investment when it comes to de-risking opportunities on the continent. I share my thoughts on moving beyond capital alone, as we explore the power of partnership and the importance of building robust support structures that allow African entrepreneurs to thrive long-term. If you’re interested in the future of African investment and how a collaborative approach can unlock prosperity, you won't want to miss this conversation. Based on principles in my new book: https://a.co/d/01FbgINs Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

Is the capital stack truly stacked in favor of the stewards, or are we building on a shaky foundation? In this episode, we dive deep into the complexities of investment in Africa, moving beyond just "investing in" to "investing with" the vibrancy of the continent. Joined by Amon Munyaneza, we unpack the critical role of property rights, the nuances of the capital stack, and how biblical stewardship can redefine the economic landscape for lasting impact. Whether you're an investor, a business leader, or someone passionate about Africa’s prosperity, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on building systems that actually transform society. Based on principles in my new book: https://a.co/d/01FbgINsConnect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

South Africa is at a point of inflection. For years, the "land issue" has been a source of uncertainty and fear for both domestic and international investors. In this episode, I sit down with members of parliament Wayne Thring and Steven Swart from the ACDP to unpack the reality of land reform, the shift toward property rights, and why the "ship is starting to turn." We discuss the 1% productivity statistic, the move toward title deeds in townships, and how biblical principles of restitution are the key to a prosperous future. If you've been "waiting and seeing" with South African investment, this is a must-watch. Based on principles from my new book: https://a.co/d/072ZGiOd Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

Is "Investing IN Africa" a fundamentally broken concept? In this episode, Franck Mwenda joins me to discuss why we must pivot to "Investing WITH Africa." We explore the shift from extractive models to collaborative capital and how building local ecosystems is the only sustainable way to unlock the continent's true potential. It's time to stop looking for exits and start looking for partnerships. Based on the principles in my new book: https://a.co/d/09FUIHxA Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

Despite billions being invested in Africa, relatively little is focused on the Cosmos Mandate or the third strand of the Great Commission. Can the African Diaspora help address this? We dive into the ten spheres of society and why the next generation of African wealth isn't just about money—it's about reclamation. Based on the principles in my new book: https://a.co/d/09FUIHxA Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

What if the world’s "riskiest" market is actually your greatest opportunity for Kingdom impact? Henry Kaestner joins me to discuss why he is "bullish" on Africa. We dive into the shift from de-risking to "re-risking," the power of marketplace miracles, and why the next generation of African entrepreneurs is staying put to build their own backyards. Based on the principles in my new book: https://a.co/d/09FUIHxA Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

Are you investing in Africa, or with Africa? The difference could be the secret to your success. I sat down with serial entrepreneur Jon Kontz to discuss a profound shift in perspective: moving from extractive or philanthropic models to true partnership. We unpack why pacing, humility, and "ordered systems" thinking are essential for any investor looking at the next frontier. This series is inspired by my new book: https://a.co/d/09FUIHxA Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

What does it actually take to drive large-scale investment in Africa? In this episode I’m joined by Okey Enelamah, Chairman of African Capital Alliance and former Minister of Industry, Trade & Investment for Nigeria, to discuss the intersection of capital, leadership, and the immense potential of the African market. We explore what it takes to move beyond the surface and build something that lasts. Is the world underestimating Africa's economic power? Let's discuss. Be sure to check out my new book: https://a.co/d/09FUIHxA #InvestingWithAfrica #OkeyEnelamah #PrivateEquity #AfricanBusiness #WealthBuilding #PodcastConnect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

Why is the world looking at Africa, and why should you? In this introduction to my new podcast series, Investing with Africa, I’m diving deep into the themes of my new book to uncover the real opportunities and shifts happening across the continent. Are you ready to see Africa through a different lens? Let’s explore the future of global wealth together. Be sure to check out my new book: https://a.co/d/09FUIHxA #InvestingWithAfrica #AfricanEconomy #WealthBuilding #BrettJohnson #GlobalInvesting Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

What happens when a business leader gives God not just their plans, but their ownership? Join Brett for a rich and heartfelt conversation with South African business leader Francois van Niekerk in our latest episode. Francois shares his remarkable journey from corporate life to founding and growing diverse ventures in IT, property, insurance and beyond. Together they explore the historical and cultural landscape of South Africa, the realities of leading in a complex society, and the call to honour God through business structures and decisions. Francois recounts pivotal moments, including a near bankruptcy and the simple prayer that reshaped the trajectory of his life and work. He explains how the principles behind the Mergon Foundation were formed, why ownership matters in Kingdom business, and how listening to God before making strategic decisions became central to their growth. Through personal stories, practical insights and reflections from more than six decades in business, he offers wisdom for leaders. Francois’s book can be found here: https://a.co/d/0w1PtlQConnect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

The journey of restoration ends with a beginning. Isaiah 49 reveals not just who you are, but what you’re called to release. In this final episode, Brett unpacks 10 activation truths that kick restoration into motion. You’ve been called, shaped, and strengthened - and now, you’re being sent. This is where restoration stops being just personal and starts becoming global. The restored become restorers. Follow along with the book here: https://a.co/d/5EawCWe Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.

What does life look like when restoration is complete? In this episode, Brett explores the final step of restoration, where hope is no longer fragile but fully formed. This conversation marks the moment where hope becomes home, and faith finds its full reward. Follow along with the book here: https://a.co/d/5EawCWe Connect with Brett Johnson on social media: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn Visit brettjohnson.biz for articles, devotionals, and more.