Thinking of Investing Back Home from the Diaspora? Here’s How to Decide Where to Start

BySeanTheExpat

You are in the diaspora wanting to invest at home and you are wondering: “I want to invest back home, but I don’t even know where to begin. Should I go into land, farming, or business?”

That question is more common than you think because when you’re away, the market feels distant and confusing. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to have all the answers before you start. You just need a clear way of making decisions.

Here’s how to approach it;

READ ALSO: 5 Mistakes Diaspora Investors Must Avoid When Buying Land in Kenya

Start With Your Goals

Ask yourself: Why am I investing?

  • To earn steady income (rentals, agribusiness)?
  • To preserve wealth long-term (land, property)?
  • To build a retirement plan?
  • Or simply to support family while securing assets?

Your goals narrow down your choices.

Choose a Sector You Can Understand

This is where many diaspora investors get stuck. Real estate, agriculture, small businesses — they all sound promising, but how do you choose?

Here’s a simple decision guide:

  • Leverage what you already know. If you’ve always followed property trends, start with real estate. If your family has idle land, agriculture might make sense.
  • Check demand, not hype. Are rentals in that area actually occupied? Is there a market for the crops being grown?
  • Listen to trusted voices on the ground. Talk to professionals, diaspora groups, or locals you trust.
  • Do light research. County investment profiles, bank reports, or market updates can show you which sectors are growing.

Think About the “How” — Management Matters

Choosing what to invest in is only half the decision. The other half is asking yourself: How will this be managed when I’m not there?

  • If it’s agriculture: Who will oversee planting, harvesting, and sales? Will you hire a farm manager, or partner with a cooperative? What reporting systems will you put in place?
  • If it’s rental property: Who will find tenants, collect rent, and handle repairs? Do you have a property management company, or a trusted agent with clear agreements?
  • If it’s a business investment: Who is running it day-to-day, and how will you track performance? Do you get monthly financial updates or have an auditor on standby?

Distance won’t hurt you if your structures are strong. Without management, even the best investment can drain you.

Start Small, Learn, and Scale

Don’t rush to build big projects or buy acres of land. Begin with one manageable investment — then learn how the systems and management work before you grow bigger.

Stay Engaged

Even from abroad, keep your finger on the pulse. Read market updates, join webinars, or connect with other diaspora investors. Informed investors rarely get blindsided.

Conclusion

If you’re a diaspora investor wondering where to start, remember:

  • Be clear on your goals.
  • Pick a sector you can understand.
  • Think through the “how” — who manages and how.
  • Start small and scale up.

You don’t need perfect knowledge before you begin. What matters is taking that first step with clarity, structure, and the right people by your side.

READ ALSO: Diaspora Investing in Kenya – Real Estate Investments

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