Henry Kaestner Calls Africa the Most Missed Opportunity

Henry Kaestner:  

Hello friends,

It’s a joy and a responsibility to be part of this conversation about faith, business, and calling—because now more than ever, we need entrepreneurs and investors who are asking not just “What can I build?” but “What is God building—and how can I join Him?”

Over the years, I’ve had the blessing to lead companies, fund startups, and walk alongside entrepreneurs across continents. And here’s what I’ve come to believe:
Business is not secular work—it’s sacred work. Whether you’re launching a coffee shop, building a tech company, or writing your first check as an investor, what you do with your hands and your capital has eternal significance.

That’s why this conversation matters.

Now, I want to highlight something that’s been stirring deeply in my spirit—and it’s one of the reasons we expanded this conversation beyond the first five topics.

“Nine out of the twenty fastest-growing economies in the world are going to be in Africa in 2025.”

Think about that. Nine out of twenty. And yet, what are we doing about it?

Everybody is overlooking it. Only 0.5% of the world’s private equity and venture capital is going into Africa—despite the fact that it's the only continent with a growing population. And what’s a marketplace if not a relationship between producers and consumers?

Africa, in 2025, is not just a place of poverty or charity. It is an industry of faith, an economy of creativity, and a continent of spiritual and entrepreneurial revival. Africa is the most overlooked investment opportunity in the world today.

That’s why we added Topic 6—to give it the space and honor it deserves. Because if we’re serious about aligning our lives with God’s heart, we need to go where the opportunity is not just great, but redemptive.

These six conversations will challenge your view of success, money, leadership, and purpose. We’ll talk about fear, metrics, secular spaces, calling, and global transformation. But most of all, we’ll talk about faithfulness. Because when we build from faith—not ego—we stop chasing the world’s applause and start building for Heaven’s reward.

Thank you for joining us. My prayer is that these dialogues will encourage you, stretch you, and perhaps even redirect you.

Because this isn’t just business—it’s Kingdom business.

Let’s begin.

(Note: This is an imaginary conversation, a creative exploration of an idea, and not a real speech or event.) 

Faith vs. Fear in Entrepreneurship

Moderator: Christine Caine
Guests: Henry Kaestner, John Maxwell, Sadie Robertson Huff, Donald Miller

Christine Caine (smiling warmly):
Welcome, friends. Today we’re tackling a topic every entrepreneur—especially faith-driven ones—faces at some point: fear. The fear of failure, rejection, scarcity, not being enough. But we also hold the promise of faith. So let’s open the floor. Henry, you’ve built startups and investment firms rooted in faith—how do you personally navigate fear in your ventures?

Henry Kaestner:
Thanks, Christine. Fear used to creep in for me when I focused too much on outcomes. Will we hit revenue targets? Will investors stay happy? But faith isn’t the absence of fear—it’s obedience despite it. I’ve learned to ask, “What would I do if I fully trusted God?” That question alone redirects my decisions. I remember when Bandwidth was scaling fast—we had payroll fears, tech pressure, you name it. But I’d return to prayer and Psalm 37: “Trust in the Lord and do good... Commit your way to the Lord.” When I did that, peace replaced panic.

Christine:
Beautiful. That idea of redirecting fear into faith is powerful. John, as a leadership mentor to millions, how do you coach people to deal with fear in decision-making?

John Maxwell:
Fear is a liar—it exaggerates and immobilizes. Most people think they need courage to start. No, you start and then courage shows up. I often say, “Do it afraid.” Leaders aren’t fearless—they’re faithful. The early apostles didn’t launch the church without fear. But they had conviction. Entrepreneurs need that same kind of holy boldness. And let me tell you: when you move, fear loses its power.

Donald Miller (nodding):
I love that, John. In story terms—because that’s my world—every great story involves a protagonist who’s scared. But what makes them heroic is that they walk into the unknown anyway. As entrepreneurs, we need to stop trying to eliminate fear and instead learn from it. Fear can be a signpost—telling us that we’re on the edge of transformation. When I was launching StoryBrand, I was terrified. But I realized the fear was because it mattered. It was worth doing.

Christine:
Sadie, you’ve connected with a younger generation navigating both social pressure and business aspirations. What are they afraid of, and what helps them push through?

Sadie Robertson Huff:
I think a lot of young people today are afraid of being seen trying and failing. It’s not just about losing money—it’s about losing face. But I always go back to Peter walking on water. He did sink. But guess what? He walked on water first! Fear often says, “What if I fall?” but faith says, “What if I fly?” I’ve had business ideas that bombed—and those were the moments I found out if I was doing it with God or just for God. Big difference.

Henry:
That’s such an important distinction, Sadie—doing it with God instead of just for Him. I’ve seen entrepreneurs spiritualize hustle. They’ll say, “God called me to this,” but they’re still white-knuckling everything. I’ve had to let go—especially with Sovereign’s Capital. There were times when we turned down great-sounding deals because they didn’t align with our values. Faith was saying no when fear said, “You’ll miss out.”

John:
Let me jump in there. Saying no from a place of trust is leadership maturity. That’s what separates faith-driven leaders from reactive ones. You’re not led by pressure—you’re led by purpose. And the longer I lead, the more I realize that peace is a better indicator than profits. If fear is clouding your peace, it’s a sign you need to go back to God.

Christine:
That hits home. For our audience listening—maybe someone is facing a decision right now, wrestling with fear—what would each of you say to them, in one sentence?

Donald:
Your fear means it matters—so take one small step toward it today, not away.

Sadie:
Don’t wait to be fearless—just say yes with your knees shaking.

John:
Fear knocked, faith answered, and no one was there.

Henry:
Ask: “What would I do right now if I fully trusted that God already has this covered?”

Christine (smiling):
Amen. That’s the kind of wisdom that calms storms. Let’s remember: fear may show up at the door, but it doesn’t have to sit at the table. We walk by faith, not sight—and that includes balance sheets, projections, and past failures.

Final Reflection – Christine Caine:
In every generation, God raises up builders. Entrepreneurs who don’t just start businesses—they start movements. But movements begin with trust. Not in the market. Not in a pitch deck. But in the One who placed the dream in you to begin with. So when fear whispers “What if?”—answer back with faith’s “Even if.”

Redefining Success – Kingdom Metrics vs. Worldly Metrics

Moderator: Bob Goff
Guests: Henry Kaestner, Tim Keller, Pat Gelsinger, Anne Beiler

Bob Goff (moderator, in a bright shirt and brighter smile):
Well hello, my fellow joyfully dangerous dreamers! Let’s talk about success. Not the kind that fills bank accounts, but the kind that empties heaven’s storehouses onto the world. You know, we grow up thinking success is measured in profit, promotions, and praise. But what if that’s all upside down? What if real success is how well we reflect God’s love?

Henry, let’s start with you. You’ve had both worldly success and kingdom success. What changed the scorecard for you?

Henry Kaestner:
Thanks, Bob. You’re right—at first, I measured success by numbers: valuation, revenue, reach. And those things aren’t inherently wrong. But they’re incomplete. The turning point for me came when I realized that faithfulness matters more than fruitfulness. Not that fruit’s unimportant—but if fruit comes at the cost of integrity or obedience, it's not success.

Now I ask different questions: Did we love our team well today? Did we honor God in the decision-making room? Did we serve our customers with dignity? Those are the kingdom metrics. They don’t always show up on a P&L sheet, but they echo in eternity.

Bob Goff:
That’s solid gold, Henry. Tim, I remember you saying once that idols often come disguised as good things we make ultimate. How does that play into this conversation about success?

Tim Keller (quietly, thoughtfully):
Yes—good things turned ultimate become destructive. Work is good. Wealth can be good. But when they become identity or security, they turn into idols. The Gospel reframes success as stewardship, not self-glory. Success isn’t about what we accomplish, but about whom we become through it.

Jesus said, “What good is it if you gain the whole world but lose your soul?” In business, that might mean gaining market share while losing integrity, or scaling rapidly while neglecting your family. True success holds those tensions with grace.

Pat Gelsinger (CEO of Intel, nodding):
In the corporate world, metrics are king. I’ve lived that. But as a follower of Christ in executive leadership, I’ve had to learn how to submit those metrics to a higher authority. When I was at VMware, I felt strongly that success meant more than shareholder value. I wanted us to be a company that prayed, that honored Sabbath rhythms, that gave generously.

Even now at Intel, I have a sticky note that says, “God is the CEO.” That’s not metaphor—it’s operational. Kingdom metrics ask: Are we discipling through our leadership? Are we building trust? Are we lifting the poor, the forgotten, the undervalued?

Anne Beiler (soft-spoken, but deeply sincere):
I agree. At Auntie Anne’s, when we were growing quickly, people said, “You’re so successful!” But what they didn’t see was the personal pain—the healing I needed, the family trauma I was carrying. God didn’t just care about how many pretzels we sold—He cared about how I healed through the process.

I came to believe that success in God’s eyes is tied to surrender. The day I stopped trying to prove something through the business—and started letting God use it to shape me—that’s when the real success began. And ironically, the business grew more when I stopped clutching it so tightly.

Bob Goff (leaning forward, animated):
Yes! I always say, success is when your love for people grows faster than your platform. So let’s get practical for our listeners. What would a kingdom scorecard look like on a whiteboard? Let’s brainstorm a few metrics.

Henry:

• Number of spiritual conversations encouraged at work
• Percentage of profit reinvested into underserved communities
• Employee satisfaction measured in flourishing, not just output

Tim:

• How often you repent and seek reconciliation
• Who gets promoted—and whether humility is a prerequisite

Anne:

• How often you celebrate others instead of yourself
• Are your values still intact under pressure?

Pat:

• The people who once feared leadership—but now feel seen and empowered
• Whether your organization could still glorify God without your name attached to it

Bob:
Oh wow. That one’s convicting—“Can the mission outlast your ego?” That’s real. Okay, last round: what would you say to a young Christian entrepreneur right now who feels caught between chasing big dreams and honoring God?

Anne:
Start with who you’re becoming, not what you’re building. Your business will rise and fall, but your soul is eternal.

Pat:
Live for an audience of One. The boardroom may not always understand—but God sees.

Tim:
Don’t confuse fruitfulness with favor. Sometimes God’s greatest work in you comes during the drought, not the harvest.

Henry:
Ask yourself every morning: “How can I be radically faithful today—even if no one applauds?”

Bob (smiling):
Friends, that’s the kind of conversation that builds more than empires. It builds legacy. Let’s stop chasing success that rusts and start investing in success that resurrects.

Final Reflection – Bob Goff:
At the end of your life, you won’t wish you had closed one more deal. You’ll wish you had loved better, listened deeper, risked more for the things that last. So redraw your scorecard, friends. Let the kingdom define your wins. Because in the end, the only “well done” that matters isn’t from the market—it’s from the Master.

Building a Business That Glorifies God in a Secular World

Moderator: Lecrae
Guests: Henry Kaestner, Cheryl Bachelder, Shundrawn Thomas, David Green

Lecrae (sitting comfortably, his tone both grounded and bold):
Welcome, everyone. Today we’re hitting a tension that many Christian entrepreneurs live in every day: How do I build a business that reflects Christ… in a world that often rejects Him? We’re not just talking about putting Bible verses on coffee cups—we’re talking about shaping culture, leading with excellence, and carrying the Gospel in the boardroom and the break room.

Henry, I’ll throw it to you first. What does it really mean to glorify God in business—especially in places where faith is unwelcome?

Henry Kaestner:
Thanks, Lecrae. First, we have to remember that glorifying God is about more than talking about God. It’s about reflecting His character—in our decisions, our culture, and our treatment of people. At Bandwidth, we had seasons where being vocal about our values raised eyebrows. But we kept asking, “Are we being faithful?” That included honoring Sabbath rhythms, praying over tough decisions, and even turning down deals that didn’t align with our values.

I’ve learned that people may disagree with your faith, but they deeply respect integrity. When your faith shows up as humility, generosity, and consistency, it speaks louder than words ever could.

Lecrae:
That’s real. Cheryl, when you led Popeyes, you were in a very secular corporate environment. What did it look like to live out your faith without preaching in the boardroom?

Cheryl Bachelder (firm, thoughtful):
It started with how I viewed leadership. As a Christian, I believed my role wasn’t to dominate but to serve. That posture changes everything. We created a culture where people were respected, heard, and challenged. I didn’t lead with faith language—I led with faith values. Over time, people noticed.

One executive once asked, “Why do you lead like this?” That opened a door—not to evangelize—but to witness. I didn’t have to preach. I just had to be faithful.

Shundrawn Thomas:
That resonates deeply with me. I’ve spent decades in the financial services world—an arena not known for spiritual openness. But what I discovered is that when you consistently lead with compassion, truth, and justice, people ask questions.

I remember mentoring a colleague who said, “You lead like you’re accountable to someone bigger than the CEO.” I smiled and said, “I am.” That kind of answer only works when your life backs it up. Excellence earns you credibility. Love earns you trust. Together, they give you room to glorify God without having to wear a badge that says “Christian.”

Lecrae (grinning):
That’s what I call quiet loud. David, you’ve taken heat for being open about your faith in business—especially with Hobby Lobby. How do you handle pushback?

David Green:
We’ve always believed that our business is God’s. That means we don’t separate faith from operations. Our stores close on Sundays. We tithe from our profits. We built a museum to honor the Bible. And yes, there’s been pushback. Lawsuits, criticism, media attacks. But if I’m going to stand before God one day and say, “I used what You gave me,” then I need to steward it with conviction, not just comfort.

You will get pushback if you live boldly. The question is—do you trust God more than the headlines?

Henry:
Exactly. And it’s not about being combative—it’s about being clear. In a world of compromise, clarity is courage. I once had a colleague say, “I’m not religious like you, but I trust you more than anyone here.” That’s a win.

Cheryl:
People are starving for trust and consistency. If your business becomes a place where people are seen and valued—not just for productivity, but for personhood—that glorifies God.

Lecrae:
Let’s talk tactics. How can Christian entrepreneurs build cultures that radiate kingdom values without alienating those who don’t share the faith?

Shundrawn:
Start by creating a culture of honor. Everyone wants to be seen, heard, and respected. That doesn’t require a Bible verse on the wall. It requires listening, inclusion, and accountability.

Cheryl:
Build rhythms that allow for rest and reflection. Respect boundaries. Encourage mentoring. Celebrate people who serve others—not just those who hit targets.

David:
Give generously and publicly. Let your generosity spark conversations about why you give.

Henry:
Pray over your company’s decisions—not just privately, but with your leadership team, if they’re open. Even that moment of silence before a big decision can create a sacred space.

Lecrae:
I love that. Last question: What would you say to the entrepreneur who feels like they have to hide their faith to survive in today’s culture?

David:
I’d say: Don't hide your light. Just make sure it's shining, not blinding. Live your faith humbly, boldly, and consistently.

Cheryl:
Your faith isn’t a liability. It’s your greatest leadership asset. Don’t compartmentalize it—integrate it.

Shundrawn:
There’s a place for you in the marketplace. Don’t dilute your values. Deepen your impact.

Henry:
The world isn’t waiting for louder Christians. It’s waiting for truer ones. Be faithful, and trust God with the fruit.

Lecrae (leaning back with a smile):
That’s the Word, right there. You don’t need to be loud to be light. In a world that often mistakes boldness for arrogance, the quiet power of grace, excellence, and consistency is revolutionary.

Final Reflection – Lecrae:
You don’t have to choose between Christ and your career. You just have to choose Christ first—and let everything else flow from there. You can build a business that thrives, inspires, and transforms—even when no one says Amen. Because sometimes, the loudest praise is a life well lived.

Faith-Driven Investing – How to Steward Wealth with Purpose

Moderator: Andy Crouch
Guests: Henry Kaestner, Cathie Wood, Ken Costa, Luke Roush

Andy Crouch (moderator, seated in a minimalist room with books and plants):
Welcome to a conversation that goes beyond dollars and dividends. Today we’re digging into a radical question: What if investing wasn't just about return—but about redemption? How do we align our capital with the Kingdom? Joining me are four leaders who are rethinking what it means to steward wealth, not just accumulate it.

Henry, let’s begin with you. What does it actually mean to invest with faith?

Henry Kaestner:
Thanks, Andy. Faith-driven investing starts with acknowledging that it’s not our money. We’re stewards, not owners. The capital God places in our hands—whether through business success, inheritance, or hard work—is meant to serve His purposes, not just our comfort.

For me, that changes everything. It means asking, “Is this investment aligned with God’s heart?” Not just, “Will it grow?” but “Will it bless?” Will it restore dignity, solve real problems, honor people, and reflect God's character? At Sovereign’s Capital, we look for entrepreneurs who are doing just that. We’re not chasing the next unicorn—we’re chasing eternal impact.

Andy:
Cathie, your work in technology investing is visionary, but it’s also deeply values-driven. How do you bring faith into a space that’s all about innovation and disruption?

Cathie Wood:
Great question. I believe God is the ultimate innovator. The discoveries we make—whether in AI, genomics, or energy—are part of His unfolding revelation of creation. My role is to invest in innovation that uplifts, heals, and transforms lives.

Faith gives me both courage and conviction. Courage to take risks that others won’t—because I trust God’s sovereignty. And conviction to walk away from opportunities that conflict with my values. For example, we’ve passed on companies with addictive business models, even if the returns looked attractive. Because to me, stewardship is more important than optics.

Ken Costa (calm, British, and quietly intense):
What I hear in both Henry and Cathie’s responses is that investing must be relational and redemptive. We live in a world where capital is disconnected from consequence. Faith-driven investing reconnects them.

When I was at UBS, I managed large portfolios. But I often asked: “Do the people whose lives are impacted by these decisions know they’re seen by God?” That’s not a traditional investment metric—but it’s a kingdom one. The purpose of wealth is not to enslave, but to empower. And we must ask whether our investments reflect the justice, mercy, and truth of the Gospel.

Luke Roush (leaning in):
That’s why when Henry and I launched Sovereign’s Capital, we were obsessed with this idea: How do we deploy capital into people, not just products? We invested in a health-tech startup in Southeast Asia that served underserved rural clinics. It wasn’t the flashiest return on paper—but it saved lives.

Faith-driven investing also means long-term thinking. The world wants quarterly profits. God wants generational change. So we’ve started measuring impact differently—not just IRR, but also the number of jobs created, marriages strengthened, communities restored.

Andy:
That’s powerful. And it flips the investor mindset from extracting value to cultivating it. Henry, earlier you mentioned Africa. Can you speak to how faith-driven investing plays out in the developing world?

Henry:
Absolutely. Africa is a spiritual and economic frontier. As I mentioned recently, nine of the world’s 20 fastest-growing economies are in Africa this year. But what matters even more than growth is how that growth is shaped.

We’ve backed founders in East Africa who are solving water access issues, creating solar refrigeration for vaccines, and building ethical fintech platforms. These aren’t just startups—they’re missions with a margin. And here's the kicker: we’re not trying to “rescue Africa”—we’re following Africa. Many African entrepreneurs have a clearer vision for kingdom impact than we do in the West.

Ken:
And they remind us that stewardship is about mutuality, not superiority. Faith-driven investing should be rooted in humility—the sense that the Spirit is moving in places and people we haven’t yet imagined.

Cathie:
That’s why I pray over every major investment decision. The market doesn’t tell me everything. God does. Faith-driven investing is less about predicting the future—and more about participating in God's future.

Luke:
I’ll add one more thought: proximity breeds clarity. If you want to steward well, go where the needs are. Sit with entrepreneurs in Uganda. Visit factories in Indonesia. When you see the impact, you no longer invest from spreadsheets—you invest from the Spirit.

Andy:
Let’s bring this home. A lot of people watching might say, “That’s great for people with millions to invest, but I’m just starting. I’ve got a 401(k) and a little in the market.” What does faith-driven investing look like for them?

Henry:
Start by asking, “What is this investment funding?” Use tools that screen for kingdom-aligned companies. You don’t need a million dollars to honor God with your money—you just need intentionality.

Ken:
Invest in what matters most—relationships, local businesses, people doing good work. And remember, generosity is the highest form of investing.

Cathie:
Even choosing to buy from ethical, life-giving companies is a kind of micro-investment. Stewardship is not about size—it’s about spirit.

Luke:
Join a faith-driven investing community. Learn together. Pray together. Invest together. It’s not a solo journey.

Andy Crouch (smiling with contentment):
Wealth isn’t evil—but unexamined wealth can be. What we heard today is that money is a tool, not a trophy. And if we use it to mirror God's justice, His creativity, and His mercy—then it becomes an act of worship.

Final Reflection – Andy Crouch:
In a world obsessed with ROI, faith-driven investors ask a deeper question: What is the return in heaven? Maybe it’s a family restored. A child healed. A community empowered. That’s not just investing. That’s participating in redemption. And that’s a portfolio worth building.

Entrepreneurship as a Calling, Not Just a Career

Moderator: T.D. Jakes
Guests: Henry Kaestner, Priscilla Shirer, Jordan Raynor, Dave Ramsey

Topic 5: Entrepreneurship as a Calling, Not Just a Career

T.D. Jakes (thundering with warmth and conviction):
Welcome, friends. We live in a world where business is often seen as profit-driven, fast-paced, and self-focused. But what if we dared to ask: What if entrepreneurship isn’t just a career choice—it’s a divine calling? Today, we’re gathered to explore how business can be sacred ground.

Henry, you’ve built companies, funded entrepreneurs, and spoken globally on faith-driven ventures. Let’s begin with this: How did you come to see entrepreneurship as a calling?

Henry Kaestner:
Thanks, Bishop. For me, it was when I realized that work is worship. In the early days of building Bandwidth, I thought business was just a tool to fund missions. But over time, I saw the business was the mission. The way we treated employees, our decisions about customers, our generosity—it all reflected what we believed about God.

Entrepreneurship became my altar. Not in the sense of idolatry, but of offering. I stopped asking, “What can I build for me?” and started asking, “What can I co-create with God?”

T.D. Jakes:
Amen. Priscilla, as someone who teaches about hearing God's voice, how does one discern that they’re called into entrepreneurship?

Priscilla Shirer:
That’s such an important question. We often expect the heavens to part and angels to announce our calling—but God usually whispers through desire and opportunity. If you sense a holy discontent, a burden to solve a problem that won’t leave you alone, that could be a calling.

But calling isn’t about ease—it’s about assignment. You’ll know it’s a calling when it pushes you beyond your comfort zone, makes you rely on God daily, and aligns with how you’re wired. The question is not just, “What am I good at?” but “Where is God asking me to be faithful?”

Jordan Raynor:
Absolutely. I often say: God doesn’t need more pastors in pulpits—He needs more pastors in boardrooms. The Hebrew word “avodah” means both work and worship. That means your spreadsheet can be as sacred as a sermon if done in obedience.

I’ve spoken to countless entrepreneurs who say, “But I’m not doing ministry.” And I tell them, “If you’re building honestly, leading redemptively, and blessing others—you’re already in ministry.” That startup pitch? It’s a mission field. That coffee shop? A sanctuary.

Dave Ramsey (nodding):
That’s real. When I started Financial Peace, I wasn’t trying to be a “Christian businessman”—I was just trying to help people. But I realized the more I aligned my business with biblical principles, the more powerful the impact became.

God gives us ideas, grit, and creativity for a reason. Not to build empires—but to build impact. Entrepreneurship becomes a calling when you say, “This isn’t about my name—it’s about His name.” When that shift happens, your business becomes a blessing machine.

T.D. Jakes:
Let’s get practical. People listening may be asking, “How do I walk out my calling in a world that only measures success in numbers?” How do we live the calling without falling into comparison, burnout, or pride?

Henry:
It starts with identity. If you believe your worth is in your valuation or follower count, you’ll constantly chase the next win. But when your identity is rooted in being a son or daughter of God, you can build from rest, not for approval.

And community matters. Surround yourself with people who remind you that you're called—not just driven. When you forget, they’ll hold the mirror of truth.

Priscilla:
And don’t confuse pace with purpose. You can run fast and still miss your calling. Take time to ask God regularly, “Am I still on assignment?” Busyness doesn’t equal obedience.

Also, expect resistance. Just because you're called doesn't mean it’ll be easy. The enemy targets callings. But that's also how you know it’s sacred.

Jordan:
Let’s also talk about intentional rhythms. Sabbath isn’t optional—it’s strategic. Called entrepreneurs don’t grind 24/7—they partner with a God who finished the work and rested.

I schedule daily times of silence, not to escape work, but to center it. That’s where God redirects my ambition when it drifts.

Dave:
And listen—don’t apologize for winning. Kingdom success isn't sinful. But make sure your wins come from integrity, not manipulation. That’s how we model faith in business.

When we teach people to budget, invest, and get out of debt—those are spiritual acts. We’re freeing people to say yes to their God-given callings. So whether you’re building a tech startup or a taco truck—do it with excellence. That glorifies God.

T.D. Jakes:
That’s a word. Excellence is not a luxury—it’s a testimony. So as we close, I want each of you to finish this sentence: “Entrepreneurship as a calling means…”

Henry:
…putting obedience over outcomes.

Priscilla:
…listening to God louder than the culture.

Jordan:
…building something that outlives you and points to Jesus.

Dave:
…using business to set people free—spiritually and financially.

T.D. Jakes (smiling wide):
And I’ll add this: Entrepreneurship as a calling means showing the world what God can do through broken people with a willing heart. Your calling is not limited to a church pew. It may be waiting in the storefront, the startup, or the staff meeting.

Final Reflection – T.D. Jakes:
You weren’t just saved to sit. You were saved to build. And when you build with purpose, passion, and prayer—your business becomes a ministry, your work becomes a witness, and your success becomes someone else’s miracle. If you’ve been wondering whether God called you to business, this is your confirmation: Yes, He did. Now go build like heaven is watching.

The Rise of Africa – Faith, Innovation, and Redemptive Investing on a Global Stage

Moderator: Makhtar Diop (Managing Director, International Finance Corporation)
Guests: Henry Kaestner, Efosa Ojomo, Magatte Wade, Peter Greer
Expanded with new insights into capital migration, cross-cultural faith dynamics, and kingdom-based transformation

Makhtar Diop (moderator, standing beneath a map of the African continent):
Today, we gather not just to discuss economics, but to confront opportunity—spiritual, societal, and strategic. Africa is projected to host 9 of the 20 fastest-growing economies in 2025. But more than that, Africa is pulsing with spiritual hunger, entrepreneurial energy, and generational resilience. The real question is: Will the global faith-driven movement recognize the moment? And will we respond with redemptive vision, not colonial charity?

Henry, you've been sounding the trumpet on Africa’s rise. What are you seeing—and why should this matter to faith-driven investors worldwide?

Henry Kaestner:
Thanks, Makhtar. Yes—when I said “9 of the top 20 economies in 2025 will be in Africa,” I wasn’t just quoting a stat. I was issuing an invitation. What excites me isn’t just GDP—it’s Gospel alignment. Africa is young, tech-enabled, and open to spiritual frameworks that see business as calling, not just career.

We’ve invested in companies solving real problems—solar refrigeration for rural clinics in Uganda, mobile money platforms in Ghana, and women-led agtech in Kenya. And the entrepreneurs leading them? Many are fueled by faith—sometimes Christian, sometimes Muslim, sometimes deeply rooted in cultural spirituality—but all deeply committed to dignity and legacy. We’re not bringing the light to Africa. We’re joining where it’s already shining.

Efosa Ojomo:
Henry nailed it. Africa doesn’t need saviors. It needs partners. Western investors often approach with frameworks built for New York or London. But when you walk through Lagos, you see something else—grit, ingenuity, and spiritual grounding that’s profoundly local.

Innovation in Africa isn’t about Silicon Valley disruption—it’s about market-creating transformation. When entrepreneurs solve access to clean water or bring healthcare to last-mile clinics, they’re creating entirely new markets and restoring what was broken. That’s redemptive.

Magatte Wade:
Let’s be honest—Africa is still too often seen through a deficit lens: corruption, conflict, chaos. But that narrative is outdated—and dangerous. The truth is: Africa is creative, capable, and spiritually awake. If you’re a faith-driven investor and you’re not investing in Africa, you may be missing the most strategic opportunity of your generation.

But—and this is key—you can’t just bring capital. You have to bring contextual respect. We don’t want Silicon Valley copycats. We want Senegalese, Ghanaian, Nigerian-rooted vision—solutions that fit our rhythm, our values, and our story.

Peter Greer:
Amen. At HOPE International, we’ve worked in places like Burundi and Rwanda for years. We’ve learned that what people need isn’t more stuff—it’s more opportunity. And opportunity flows best through relationships, not relief.

One micro-entrepreneur told me, “You believed in me before I believed in myself.” That belief—when paired with patient capital, discipleship, and mentoring—transforms families and communities. We’ve seen Christian entrepreneurs start out selling bananas, then expand into logistics, employing 20 people, all while leading Bible studies for their teams.

Makhtar:
Let’s talk capital migration. There’s increasing talk about redirecting global capital flows from over-saturated markets toward high-impact regions. Henry, how does faith-driven capital fit into this macro-shift?

Henry:
Great point. The world is over-allocating to the familiar and under-allocating to the transformational. And frankly, many Christian investors are playing it safe—investing in companies with positive ESG scores in developed markets, but missing where the Kingdom ROI is the highest.

Faith-driven capital needs to stop chasing comfort and start chasing calling. Africa is a frontier—not just of growth, but of redemptive imagination. If you're willing to sit with founders in Nairobi or Kigali, you’ll see innovation that’s lean, local, and eternal in impact.

Efosa:
And it’s not just about where the money flows. It’s about how it flows. Venture capital, when misapplied, can kill local innovation. But when it's tailored—with realistic timelines, coaching, and covenant partnerships—it becomes catalytic.

Magatte:
Also, let’s not ignore the interfaith dimension. I’ve worked with Christian, Muslim, and traditional African spiritual entrepreneurs. When the common ground is human dignity, we can co-create beautiful things.

So faith-driven investing in Africa must come with humility. Don't just fund what looks familiar. Fund what’s faithful—even if the faith looks different from yours. That’s part of walking like Jesus.

Peter:
Exactly. We must steward not only capital, but our attitude. That includes being present. I’ve seen donors give millions to places they’ve never visited. But the ones who show up—who drink tea with farmers, walk dusty roads, and worship in local churches—those are the ones who understand what true investment means.

Makhtar:
Let’s turn to impact. Western ESG frameworks are increasingly used to measure investment morality. But do those metrics work in African contexts?

Henry:
Honestly? Often no. ESG as a checklist can miss the real story. We had a startup in Kenya that didn’t score well on Western ESG indicators—but they created 200 jobs in slums, mentored teens, and reinvested half their profits in education.

That’s kingdom ESG. Our metrics should ask:

• Are families being restored?

• Is generational poverty being broken?

• Is hope growing?

Those are the indicators of a redemptive investment.

Efosa:
And that’s why we need localized frameworks. Don’t measure a bakery in Malawi with the same lens you’d use for a B Corp in San Francisco. Measure it by transformation—not box-checking.

Magatte:
Yes—and build for legacy. In African culture, we think in generations, not just quarters. Faith-driven investors should, too.

Makhtar:
We’re nearing the end. Let’s end with this: If someone listening is a Christian entrepreneur or investor in the U.S., Europe, or Asia—how can they engage in Africa today?

Peter:
Pray with specificity. Pray for a city. A startup. A founder. Let God stir your heart with names, not just regions.

Magatte:
Start learning—not teaching. Follow African entrepreneurs on social media. Watch their pitches. Hear their stories.

Efosa:
Join local incubators as a coach or mentor. You don’t need a checkbook—just your experience and encouragement.

Henry:
And if you’re ready to invest—invest relationally. Invest through organizations that value discipleship, dignity, and proximity. Don’t just give capital. Give companionship.

Final Reflection – Makhtar Diop:
Africa is not the future. It is now. A place where the Gospel meets grit. Where redemptive business isn’t theoretical—it’s daily life. And for faith-driven entrepreneurs and investors worldwide, this is your moment.

Not to lead. Not to fix. But to walk alongside. To listen deeply. To invest intentionally. And to join God in what He’s already doing.

Final Reflection by Henry Kaestner

As we close this journey together, I want to offer you a challenge—and an encouragement.

We’ve covered a lot of ground: how to navigate fear with faith, how to redefine success, how to glorify God in the workplace, how to steward wealth for impact, how to treat entrepreneurship as a calling—and how to recognize that God is moving powerfully across the globe, especially in Africa.

But let me remind you of something simple and sacred:
You don’t have to be fearless. You just have to be faithful.

God isn’t looking for perfect entrepreneurs. He’s looking for willing ones. Builders who trust Him with their spreadsheets and their setbacks. Investors who see beyond the next quarter into the next generation. Leaders who understand that what we do Monday through Saturday can be just as holy as Sunday morning.

Whether you’re a CEO, a solopreneur, a fund manager, or someone dreaming of launching something new—I want you to ask yourself:

• What would I build if I really believed God was with me?

• What would I invest in if I really believed people’s dignity matters more than my dividends?

• What would I risk, give, or create if I fully understood that the marketplace is a mission field?

We’re living in a moment of massive disruption—but also massive opportunity. Especially in places like Africa, where faith and innovation are rising hand-in-hand. Don’t sit on the sidelines. Don’t bury your talent. Step in. Partner up. And build something that makes Heaven smile.

Because in the end, it won’t be about how much you scaled, how many awards you won, or how big your valuation was. It’ll be about how well you loved, served, and stewarded what God placed in your hands.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. May your next move be marked not just by ambition—but by alignment.

Now, go build with boldness. And build with Him.

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