avatar

076: Navigating Tech Startups and Corruption In Africa – Marek Zmyslowski

The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup
The Expat Money Show - With Mikkel Thorup
Episode • May 2, 2019 • 54m
Marek Zmyslowski is a Polish-born entrepreneur and executive, focused on online businesses in Frontier and Emerging Markets. He co-founded HotelOnline.co – a Hospitality Technology Company, and Jumia Travel – Africa’s Biggest Hotel Booking Portal, with backing from Rocket Internet and Goldman Sachs. .

WHAT WE DISCUSSED IN THIS INTERVIEW:

  • Lagos, Nigeria: Largest city with 21 million people, known for its financial center, beach resorts, and cultural landmarks
  • Marek Zmyslowski: Moved from Poland to Lagos in 2013 to start a business
  • Challenges: Dealing with rampant corruption and gaining acceptance
  • Marek's story: Detailed in his book "Chasing Black Unicorns," a memoir filled with dangerous events and business challenges
  • Memoir: Describes facing the Polish mafia and becoming an international fugitive due to corrupt enemies in Nigeria
  • Book Details: "Chasing Black Unicorns" published in Poland, English translation available in September 2019
  • Charity: 100% of book income goes to providing laptops and coding lessons to poor students in Nigeria
  • Additional Recommendation: John Perkins shares similar stories of intrigue and adventure.

 

HOW TO FIND MAREK'S WORK:


 

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

If you’d been receiving the EMS Pulse newsletter and the weekly Expat Sunday Times, you would have already read the basics of today's story! Sign up now, and you’ll also receive my FREE special report, “Plan B Residencies and Instant Citizenships.”  

CONCLUSION

What a life Marek Zmyslowski has led at such a young age. What he has been able to accomplish and still does even against all of the corruption in Nigeria.  I can’t wait to read his book, Chasing Black Unicorns coming out in English in September 2019.  

Mentioned in this episode:

Gold in the Caribbean—No Bank Can Touch It

Fiat is failing. Banks are cracking. And smart investors are moving their gold offshore—outside the system. I’ve partnered with a fully insured private vault in the Caribbean where you can buy, store, and protect physical gold… legally and securely. The entire account opening is done online—fast, private, and no nonsense. If you’re serious about protecting your wealth, get the details now at ExpatMoney.com/gold

Offshore Gold & Silver

Into The Amazon—Then Straight To The Beach

This year, I’m taking a private group into the Amazon rainforest—then we head to Fortaleza and explore Brazil’s booming Northeast coast. Think Amazon river cruises, beachfront developments, and wide-open opportunity. From the heart of the rainforest to pristine beaches most people only dream about—this is bucket-list meets Plan-B strategy. If you’ve ever wanted to see the real Brazil and scout investments along the way, this is it. Go to ExpatMoney.com/Brazil.

Brazil Tour August 2 - 9, 2025

Join Us For Upcoming Live Webinars

Every month, we offer exciting new webinars for our community. Topics include how to use retirement accounts to buy real estate overseas, how to get a second passport in Latin America, why you should sell your stock portfolio and move your money offshore, how to buy a beachfront rental property in Brazil for less than $100k, or apartments in Paraguay for $60k. If you want to join us for FREE for these presentations with live Q&A, insider secrets, and exclusive opportunities with my professional network of experts, then sign up today.

Webinars - Expat Money

Join Us For Upcoming Live Webinars

Every month, we offer exciting new webinars for our community. Topics include how to use retirement accounts to buy real estate overseas, how to get a second passport in Latin America, why you should sell your stock portfolio and move your money offshore, how to buy a beachfront rental property in Brazil for less than $100k, or apartments in Paraguay for $60k. If you want to join us for FREE for these presentations with live Q&A, insider secrets, and exclusive opportunities with my professional network of experts, then sign up today.

Webinars - Expat Money

Into The Amazon—Then Straight To The Beach

This year, I’m taking a private group into the Amazon rainforest—then we head to Fortaleza and explore Brazil’s booming Northeast coast. Think Amazon river cruises, beachfront developments, and wide-open opportunity. From the heart of the rainforest to pristine beaches most people only dream about—this is bucket-list meets Plan-B strategy. If you’ve ever wanted to see the real Brazil and scout investments along the way, this is it. Go to ExpatMoney.com/Brazil.

Brazil Tour August 2 - 9, 2025

Switch to the Fountain App