It’s a Family Affair

By Peter Grear

Gerry McCants and I discussed investing in Africa with Shayna Henderson, a remarkable individual with a diverse IT, military service, and entrepreneurship background. Shay’s journey is one of resilience and self-discovery, shaped by her early departure from home and a career that took her across the globe. Originally from Long Island, New York, and currently residing in North Carolina, Shay’s 20-year career in IT began with six years of active duty in the United States Army, including three combat deployments. Her military experiences honed her technical skills and ignited a deep-seated desire to explore the world and seek out her place within it.

Shay’s military service played a pivotal role in shaping her entrepreneurial spirit and her global perspective. Her early departure from home and the necessity of self-sufficiency propelled her towards entrepreneurial endeavors. This journey led her to IT, a field she embraced during the tech explosion of the early 1990s. The military, she explains, provided her with the tools and experiences necessary to navigate and succeed in this dynamic industry.

Shay’s travels across the globe, especially to Africa, further influenced her transition from military service to entrepreneurship. During these travels, she became involved with the African Diaspora Development Institute (ADDI), an initiative founded by Her Excellency, former ambassador Erica Bennett. ADDI’s mission is to connect the African diaspora with opportunities for investment and development in Africa, fostering economic growth and empowerment across the continent.

Shay’s involvement with ADDI began in 2020 after she visited Africa, specifically Ghana, in 2018. This visit was a transformative experience for her, igniting a deep interest in the continent and its potential. Through social media and online networks, Shay discovered Dr. Bennett’s mission with ADDI and quickly became a member, seeking a community of like-minded individuals who shared her passion for Africa’s development.

One of the most compelling aspects of Shay’s story is her comparison of life in Africa with life in America. She describes a sense of warmth and familial connection in Africa, like what she experienced growing up in the Northeast and visiting family in the South. Africa magnified this feeling of being embraced, welcomed, and cared for. The warmth, hospitality, and sense of community she encountered in African villages and cities resonated deeply, reinforcing her desire to invest and build a future on the continent.

Shay’s experiences in Africa also highlighted the similarities and differences between African and American cultures. While the sense of family and community were familiar, the cultural and traditional differences and language barriers were new challenges she had to navigate. Despite these challenges, Shay felt embraced by the people she met in Africa. There was a recognition that, while she was not “one of them,” she was welcomed and accepted, particularly when she approached her interactions with humility and a willingness to learn.

One critical lesson Shay learned from her time in Africa is the importance of building relationships and community. Through ADDI and her travels, she connected with other members of the African diaspora and locals in the countries she visited. These connections were crucial in helping her navigate the challenges of living and investing in Africa. Whether learning the local language, understanding cultural norms, or establishing trust with business partners, Shay found that relationships were the foundation of her success.

Regarding her investments in Africa, Shay’s entrepreneurial spirit shines through. She has invested in various ventures across the continent, from a trucking logistics company in Sierra Leone to a pharmacy in Ghana. She also supports a sanitation company in Gambia and is currently building a home in Ghana with plans to develop a guest house on the property. For Shay, Africa represents a land of limitless opportunity, where she can build a legacy and create a future.

Shay’s experiences have taught her that investing in Africa requires a different mindset and approach than the United States. In many African countries, people conduct business in a largely cash-based economy with limited access to loans or lines of credit. This presents unique challenges, particularly for those accustomed to the financial systems in America. However, Shay sees this as an opportunity rather than a barrier. She believes the potential for success in Africa is immense with the right mindset, a willingness to take risks, and a commitment to building solid relationships.

As our conversation draws closer, Shay shares her vision for the future. She encourages members of the African diaspora to visit Africa, to see for themselves the opportunities that exist, and to consider investing in the continent. She believes Africa is the future—a place where one can build a legacy, retire, and raise a family. With organizations like ADDI leading the way, Shay is confident that the economic liberation of Africa is within reach, and she is proud to be part of this transformative journey.

In closing, we urge our listeners to learn more about ADDI and its upcoming Burkina Faso Trade and Tourism Mission. This initiative offers many opportunities for the diaspora to engage with Africa and contribute to its economic development. Shay’s story demonstrates that Africa is not just a place of potential but promise, where dreams can be realized, and legacies can be built. Thank you for joining us tonight, and we look forward to continuing this important conversation in the future.