Ndiho Media,LLC.

By Paul Ndiho|Ndiho Media

Imagine spotting the next great African entrepreneur before the world takes notice. That’s precisely what 27-year-old Moroccan investor Aya Zaghnin is doing — channeling her capital, time, and passion into early-stage startups that are tackling some of Africa’s toughest challenges. In an exclusive conversation with Ndiho Media, she reflected on her path from founder to investor, and why she believes Africa’s future rests on the shoulders of its boldest innovators.
Zaghnin’s journey into investing began with her own entrepreneurial leap. At just 18, she launched her first startup. It didn’t last, but instead of discouraging her, the experience lit a new fire. “The startup is no more because of some issues that I had with early-stage investors,” she explained. “But that encouraged me more to be on the investor side.” Determined to learn the ropes, she worked at a venture capital fund that focused on the Middle East and Africa before branching out independently. Today, she manages a personal portfolio of six companies, each carefully chosen not only for their financial benefits, but also for their ability to drive meaningful impact.

What often surprises people is how a woman in her twenties can finance investments that typically range from $10,000 to $50,000. For Aya, the answer is relentless determination. “Investment for me is a goal. It’s a financial goal. So, what I do is get a job whenever I want to invest. I work plus hours and I work on the weekends in order to finance my investments.” Her sweet spot is between $20,000 and $30,000, but she insists that money alone doesn’t drive her choices. She looks for real entrepreneurs with a genuine commitment to solving real problems at the bottom of the pyramid, focusing on sectors she knows best: fintech, agri-tech, health tech, and supply chain.
One of her proudest investments is in Village Farms, a Nigerian agri-tech startup. After advising its founders for a year, she invested and helped them secure an additional $500,000 in funding. The impact has been tangible. Beyond growing its business, the company has also supported healthcare and education initiatives for smallholder farmers, demonstrating that the right investment can have a far-reaching impact that extends far beyond financial returns.
For Zaghnin, angel investing is also about collaboration. She strongly believes in the power of African youth to pool their resources and make a greater impact together, especially as millennials and Gen Z increasingly seek ways to shape the continent’s future. “It takes a lot of commitment. It takes a lot of hard work, and it also requires a lot of patience, as you will be immersed in their problems. Whenever they’re happy, you’re happy. Whenever they’re really sad, a lot of problems would be your problems as well.”
Her long-term vision is as ambitious as it is inspiring: to visit all 54 countries in Africa and invest in at least one startup in each of them. “I truly believe in the potential of all the 54 countries,” she said with conviction. It’s this belief — that Africa’s future lies in its innovators — that drives her every move.
At just 27, Aya Zaghnin isn’t simply writing checks. She’s building a legacy of trust, mentorship, and belief in African talent, one startup at a time.

“Hello and welcome to Different Perspectives, where we explore bold ideas and the individuals behind them. I’m Paul Ndiho. In a world filled with constant headlines and quick takes, it’s easy to believe we have the complete picture. But what if we’re only seeing one side of the story?

Today, we are highlighting Aya Zaghnin, a 27-year-old Moroccan angel investor who is investing in Africa’s future by supporting startups before they attract global attention. From launching her own company at 18 to investing her time and money in emerging founders across the continent, Aya is part of a new generation transforming how innovation is funded in Africa. Her journey exemplifies grit, resilience, and vision—proof that you don’t have to wait until you’re wealthy or established to make a difference.”