A Partnership Built on Shared History
When I first visited Cape Town in 2024, I was struck by something profound: the parallels between the African American experience and the South African journey toward economic empowerment. Both communities have faced systemic barriers to wealth creation. Both have demonstrated extraordinary resilience. And both are now positioned to lead in the emerging digital economy.
Osage Investment's partnership with South Africa isn't just a business arrangement — it's a homecoming. The African diaspora's connection to the continent runs deeper than economics, but economics is where we can create the most immediate impact.
Why South Africa?
South Africa occupies a unique position in the global economy. As a founding BRICS member and the most industrialized nation on the African continent, it serves as a natural bridge between Western markets and the rapidly growing economies of Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
World-Class Education at Accessible Prices
South African universities — including the University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch University, and the University of the Witwatersrand — offer internationally recognized credentials at 50-70% lower cost than equivalent US institutions. For Osage Investment members, this means access to world-class education without crushing student debt.
Our partnership includes:
- Scholarship programs for F.L.O.W. Platform graduates at South African universities
- Dual certification pathways that combine Osage training with South African credentials
- Study abroad programs that immerse learners in the African tech ecosystem
The Fintech Revolution
Cape Town and Johannesburg have emerged as two of Africa's most dynamic fintech hubs. Companies like Yoco, Luno, and Jumo are building financial infrastructure that serves millions of previously unbanked individuals.
For our FLASH Wallet initiative, South Africa provides:
- Regulatory frameworks that support cryptocurrency innovation
- A testing ground for cross-border digital payments
- Talent pools of developers experienced in mobile-first financial applications
- Direct connections to the broader BRICS digital currency ecosystem
Renewable Energy Leadership
South Africa's investment in solar and wind infrastructure has created one of the most advanced renewable energy sectors on the continent. This creates training opportunities for Osage members in green economy skills that are in the highest global demand.
The BRICS Multiplier Effect
South Africa's BRICS membership amplifies every aspect of our partnership. Through South Africa, Osage Investment members gain indirect access to:
- China's AI and manufacturing ecosystem
- India's IT services and software development networks
- Brazil's agricultural technology and fintech innovations
- Russia's energy sector and scientific research institutions
- The UAE's financial services and logistics infrastructure
This isn't theoretical. BRICS nations are actively building trade corridors, educational exchanges, and technology transfer agreements that our members can leverage.
Building the Bridge
Our South Africa initiative operates on three timelines:
Immediate (2026): Virtual exchange programs, online certification partnerships, and FLASH Wallet beta testing with South African users.
Medium-term (2027-2028): Physical learning centers in Cape Town and Johannesburg, internship placements at South African tech companies, and joint venture opportunities for Osage graduates.
Long-term (2029+): A fully integrated Pan-African digital education network connecting Osage communities across the United States with learning centers across the continent.
A Personal Note
The legacy of Annie Turnbo Malone — building economic empowerment through education — doesn't stop at America's borders. The same principles that drove her success in the 1800s are universal: teach people the skills they need, connect them with opportunities, and watch communities transform.
South Africa is where this vision goes global. And for those of us in the African diaspora, it's where we reconnect with a continent that has never stopped innovating, never stopped growing, and never stopped believing in the power of its people.
Henry Blount is the CEO of Osage Investment. To learn more about our South Africa partnership, visit the BRICS section of our website or schedule a consultation.