Amne Suedi’s journey from the high-rise offices of Switzerland’s finance sector to leading one of Africa’s most influential investment advisory firms is a testament to her belief in Africa’s untapped potential. As the Founder and Managing Director of Shikana Investment and Advisory, Suedi is not just helping global investors access African markets; she’s reshaping how the world sees Africa — and how Africa approaches global capital.
Through her company, which has facilitated over USD 300 million in investments across various sectors, Suedi has created a model for sustainable, ethical, and impactful investment in East and Southern Africa. But Suedi is not just an adviser; she is a connector — linking governments, financial institutions, private equity firms, and entrepreneurs in a way that fosters growth and maximizes returns.
Her work has bridged continents, connecting private equity firms with African opportunities and helping global companies navigate the complexities of operating in new, often misunderstood, markets. By combining legal precision with deep local knowledge, Suedi’s strategic advice ensures that investments not only comply with regulations but also create a lasting impact on the communities they touch.
“Africa doesn’t need saviors — it needs strategic partners. That’s the mindset I bring to every client, every investment, and every conversation,” Suedi explains. This mindset is evident in her wide-reaching work, which spans from advising major players like Scania, Capital Drilling, and Bolt to helping over 100 small businesses across Africa become investment-ready. It’s a strategy that positions African markets as dynamic and lucrative, but only when approached with the right expertise.
What sets Suedi apart from other global advisers is her unique insider-outsider perspective. With a law degree from Switzerland and a deep understanding of the local market, Suedi is well-positioned to advise multinational corporations and private equity investors while ensuring that African entrepreneurs and businesses are not left behind. This dual perspective allows her to offer tailored solutions that protect both investors and local enterprises.
A key part of Suedi’s approach is empowering African businesses with the tools they need to thrive. Her legal tech platform, Know My Legal, is a perfect example of how she’s making legal knowledge and resources more accessible to entrepreneurs across Africa. By offering this service, she is addressing one of the biggest challenges faced by small businesses in Africa — the lack of affordable, reliable legal support.
However, Suedi’s vision goes beyond advisory work and legal platforms. She’s also passionate about building ethical, local value-added entrepreneurship. Through Zambarau Gem House, a gemstone and jewelry brand made in Tanzania, she’s showcasing Tanzanian craftsmanship on the world stage, demonstrating how local businesses can create global impact. “For Africa to rise, we must own our narratives, our value chains, and our wealth creation,” Suedi asserts. And with Zambarau Gem House, she’s putting this principle into practice, providing local artisans with the opportunity to scale their businesses globally.
But it’s not just her advisory work or businesses that set her apart. Suedi is also a key player in shaping the future of investment in Africa. As a Non-Executive Director at several companies and a board member of the Tanzania Investment Centre (TIC), her influence extends far beyond individual deals. She’s helping shape national policy, including contributing to Tanzania’s Vision 2050, where she works closely with the government to ensure that investments align with long-term national goals. As the Honorary Consul of Switzerland in Zanzibar, she fosters trade and investment between Switzerland and Tanzania, acting as a bridge between two distinct worlds.
Her leadership has earned her widespread recognition, including being named one of Tanzania’s Top 100 Executives in 2022 and being honored as one of Africa’s Top 50 Women in Management in 2023. But for Suedi, the real reward is not the accolades but the impact her work has on the ground, from empowering African entrepreneurs to ensuring that global investors navigate the complexities of Africa with confidence and success.
Suedi’s work is changing the way we think about Africa’s future. It’s not about giving aid; it’s about creating strategic partnerships, empowering entrepreneurs, and building sustainable, long-term growth. Her approach to investment is transforming how both African and international players view the continent, turning it from a place of perceived risk into one of tremendous opportunity. Through Shikana Investment and Advisory, as well as her ventures in legal tech and ethical entrepreneurship, Amne Suedi is leaving a legacy that will shape Africa’s economic future for generations to come.
For more information about Shikana Investment and Advisory, visit www.swissshikanainvest.com. Connect with Amne Suedi on Instagram at @amnesuedi_official or LinkedIn at Amne Suedi.
