Welcome to the Invest from Africa Series. My name is Archie Moyo, and I am embarking on a journey I know very little about: Investing in the New York Stock Exchange. I would like to take any new or beginner investors with me to learn together.
Why I’m Taking the Leap: My Investment Journey on the NYSE
Investing has always seemed like an exclusive club—something reserved for experts, financial analysts, or people with a lot of disposable income. For years, I believed this narrative, watching from the sidelines and thinking, “One day, I’ll figure it out.” But that day never came, until now. I’ve decided to take the leap and embark on my investment journey on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), not as an expert but as a learner, and I want to take others on this ride with me.
Growing up in Africa, investing in global markets always felt distant. I knew people who bought shares locally, but the thought of participating in one of the largest stock exchanges in the world seemed unattainable. That changed when I learned about platforms like EasyEquities, which have simplified the process and made investing more accessible for people like me. My inspiration stems from a desire to grow my wealth sustainably while demystifying investing for others who, like me, have always been curious but hesitant.
I understand that investing in stock exchanges, let alone one on a different continent is not something most people in Africa would think about it. It says, “I have extra money” which most of us in Africa never want to admit. The long-term nature of investing in stock exchanges is another reason why most of us in Africa struggle. I want to be part of the charge that changes.
Why the NYSE Appeals to Me
The NYSE is iconic. It’s not just one of the largest stock exchanges in the world; it’s home to some of the most innovative and influential companies globally—brands we interact with daily, from tech giants to consumer staples. Being able to own even a fraction of a share in companies like Apple, Microsoft, or Coca-Cola is exciting.
What appeals to me most, however, is the opportunity to participate in the global economy from my corner of the world. The NYSE represents endless possibilities for diversification. It offers a range of options, from blue-chip stocks to exchange-traded funds (ETFs), making it an ideal starting point for a beginner like me who wants to learn and grow.
Challenges and Fears
Of course, stepping into the world of investing isn’t without its challenges. My biggest fear is losing money. As a beginner, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by market volatility or make emotional decisions based on short-term price movements. Another concern is understanding the sheer volume of information—financial reports, market trends, and economic indicators—that comes with investing.
However, I see these challenges as opportunities to grow. I’ve committed to starting small, investing an amount I’m comfortable losing while focusing on learning the ropes. I’ve also promised myself to remain patient and not let fear dictate my decisions.
Aligning with My Goals
This journey isn’t just about financial returns. It’s about building a habit of wealth creation, developing discipline, and learning a skill I can carry for life. It also aligns with my passion for sharing knowledge. By documenting my journey, I hope to inspire others in Africa and beyond to see investing as something within their reach.
Throughout this series, my hope is for these posts to become a resource that other new learners can come to for information. There is a lot of information on social media (YouTube especially) but I have felt a little detached from those making the videos. Either the money they have at their disposal is too much for me to comprehend (Those “I invested $5 a day for 4 years” videos) or they are just so much further on the investment journey that they don’t understand the things I struggle with or my goals.
Your Turn
I’ve taken my first step toward understanding and participating in the stock market. What about you? Are you curious about investing but held back by doubts or fears? Share your biggest concerns or what excites you most about investing. Let’s learn and grow together!
The road ahead might be uncertain, but I’m confident it will be worth it. Let’s take this leap together. If you want to learn more, follow this series as we provide weekly updates, lessons, and tips for the new retail investor targeting to invest on the New York Stock Exchange from Africa.
Next, I will talk about the concept of retail investment and fractional shares: two innovations that have made it possible for people like me, and maybe you reading this, to start investing with our very small amounts.
This is part one in Archie Moyo’s series, “Learning to Invest in the NYSE from Africa” in which he starts his journey investing on the New York Stock Exchange from Africa. Archie is not a financial advisor or professional. The series exists to take other fellow investors on the journey with them and provide resources for new retail investors.
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