

Invest in
exceptional
African
businesses
Find Purpose
With Nia.
Nia is an equity investment platform that provides investors with access to unique deals into impactful African businesses.
Nia in Swahili means Purpose.
It recognises:
"Making our collective mission the building and developing of our community."
Introducing Nia.
Nia is changing the way we think about development & finance in Africa.
The Benefits of Working With Nia.
Join a driven investment community focused on doing well by doing good.

Nia works with established and innovative businesses that we believe can successfully scale. Read more

Browse through businesses and choose your favourites OR tell Nia your preferences and we will match you to deals automatically.

Each investment on Nia significantly contributes to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Nia conducts thorough due diligence and monitoring. You have access to all
of it. Feel informed
and secure.

Since Nia uses crowdfunding, you do not need to commit large sums if you don't want to.

Nia will help you learn more about investing in Africa and the communities your investments are supporting.
*With these investments your capital is at risk and returns are not guaranteed. The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may get less than you invest.

Your Money Can Do Well,
While Doing Good.
Unique Opportunities
Africa hosts many exciting and innovative businesses that are not easily discovered by prospective investors. Nia makes it easy.
Less Commitment
Nia uses crowdfunding to raise for each business, which means you have the option to invest at much smaller cheque sizes than the regular fund.
Diversify A Portfolio
Economically, Africa is currently one of the fastest growing continents in the world. Investing within the Nia community provides excellent opportunities to enter unique markets, sectors and impact areas.
Experience & Knowledge
Sourcing, vetting and monitoring businesses can be challenging, particularly in Africa. Our Nia team is experienced and communicates with full transparency with all parties involved with a deal.
Hands-On or Hands-Off Management Styles
Team Nia gives you options. Whether you want to get to know the entrepreneurs and be fully involved in your portfolio or, choose to sit back and let the platform find deals matching your preferences. It's up to you.
Join The Nia Community
Today.
Nia works with exceptional African businesses that are raising seed financing and looking for investors. If you would like to join our community and learn more please contact us.
Upon receipt of your email to join, the Nia team will personally reach out to you in order to build your profile, establish your unique goals and objectives and onboard you as an exclusive member of the Nia community.

Types of Investments Nia Offers*
Business
Maternal Health Pop-
Up Clinics in Slums
Location
East Africa
Raising
£600,000
Current Traction
£4m in Revenue (annual)
Impact
Access to Quality Health
Minimum Investment
£250
*These deals are not guaranteed to be available and pose as an example of businesses Nia works with.
Looking to Enter the African Impact Investing Market?
Nia's Provides Consulting Services to Support You*
Nia works with organisations who are looking for support, networks and experts in the African Impact Investing Networks. Nia works with your organisation to assist you through the challenges and complexities of these markets.
Work with Experts on Impact African Markets
Nia's team, as well as the numerous local partners we work with closely on the ground, are experts on the African startup and financing ecosystem (including a PhD).
Optimise your Impact
Want to make sure that your finances are going towards true social impact? Nia can work with you to ensure that your strategies and decisions are effectively contributing to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.
Become a Part of Our Mission
To use finance for true "purpose" in Africa.
Learn About African Impact Investing
Learn even more using Nia's tutorials, blogs and educational materials. If you ever have questions, Nia's team is here to support you.
*Nia's consulting services are not financial advisory, financial planning or asset management services.

Your Nia Team

Sarah Burns
CEO & Founder
Sarah’s PhD research at Oxford as a Rhodes Scholar, focused on how to ethically and sustainably contribute to private sector development in post conflict Africa. She has lived in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Rwanda and India. She has also consulted for London investors to help increase their impact in Africa. As a trained economist, Sarah focuses on impact and market research. She has in-depth knowledge of these markets and an extensive network of investors & entrepreneurs.
LEADERSHIP
Sarah Burns
CEO & Founder
PhD, MSc, BA

Samuel Darko
Ecosystem Advisor
Samuel has 10+ years experience as a business leader, and entrepreneur in West African markets with proven expertise in sales, marketing, business development, and managing diverse teams. He has just finished his MBA at Oxford. Prior, he spent 5 years at the African Leadership University and led their effort to enrol 1,500+ of Africa’s brightest minds. His knowledge is essential for sourcing deals, providing TA and finding unique talent.
Samuel Darko
Ecosystem Expert
MBA, BSc
.jpg)
Philip Williams
General Counsel
Philip qualified as an attorney and notary public in the Republic of South Africa in 2014. He worked for 3.5 years at a large commercial law firm in Johannesburg. He focused on large commercial disputes, particularly in construction and engineering. He also has worked on matters including financing for one of South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producers. Philip is currently completing a DPhil in Law at the University of Oxford.
Philip Williams
General Counsel
BA, BCL, PhD
INVESTMENT SUPPORT TEAM

Mak Mohapeloa
South Africa
Mak is a highly experienced, award-winning entrepreneur who is committed to inclusive growth. In 2009 he co-founded Jobsonline.co.ls, the only job portal dedicated to job seekers in Lesotho. He has also worked in Logistics, Tourism and Technology, now working as a consultant with entrepreneurs and investors.

Elisa Manjolo
Zambia
Elisa is a dedicated and detail-oriented financial advisor with experience in investments and external audit. Elisa previously worked for Aflife Capital Zambia and as a audit associate for KPMG in Zambia covering various areas such as financial services, manufacturing, education, etc.

Rodrique Msechu
Tanzania
Recognized by Forbes among 30 most promising Entrepreneurs in Africa in 2018, Rodrique founded a fast-growing East African Trade Advisory firm. His passion is to foster dynamic collaborations between businesses to spark economic transformation in Africa.

Francis Omorojie
East Africa
Francis is a tech venture builder and innovation enthusiast with over 6 years in building tech Start-ups and ecosystems across Africa. Francis led the design and implementation of equity-based venture building fund model through Ennovate Hub that is targeted to support underserved tech founders from proof of concept to growth stage.
Mak Mohapeloa
South Africa
PG DIP, MDP, BCom
Elisa Manjolo
Zambia
MBA, ACCA, BSc
Rodqique Msechu
Tanzania
MA Dip, BSc
Francis Omorojie
East Africa
DIP, BEng
Capital is at risk and returns are not guaranteed. Activity on Nia is currently not regulated.