Nathan Loyd Ndungu may be based in Washington, D.C., but his business lessons cross borders easily—especially for entrepreneurs in London. With decades of experience leading construction, trade, and agriculture ventures across Africa and the U.S., his journey highlights something London founders are increasingly seeking: sustainable growth, strategic partnerships, and global expansion.
Whether you’re operating a startup in Shoreditch or scaling a social enterprise in Hackney, Nathan’s experiences offer useful insights. He’s worked in challenging regulatory environments, scaled exports to global markets, and kept his operations values-led—something UK businesses must navigate as they expand post-Brexit. His approach to ethical trade and sustainable farming is especially timely, given the UK’s push toward climate-conscious business.
“If your business only serves your pocket, it won’t last,” Nathan says. “But if it serves people, it can change lives.”
Humble beginnings and early lessons in resilience
Nathan graduated from the University of Maryland in 1994 with a degree in Business Management. But he admits,
“I didn’t learn resilience in school. I learned it through failure.”
One of his first roles was as a technical consultant for Eurotrade International, advising on mineral machinery in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He spent years in the field, often in tough environments. These early challenges taught him about the importance of hands-on experience.
“It was never about comfort,” he says. “It was about figuring out how things work on the ground.”
That kind of thinking resonates in London too—where many founders are trying to balance digital scaling with real-world logistics and operations.
Building a construction firm from the ground up
In 1999, Nathan founded DN International in Rwanda. The firm handled major construction projects for clients like UNICEF, Coca-Cola, and the U.S. Embassy.
He oversaw the building of government offices, corporate buildings, and even a health centre in the Democratic Republic of Congo. But his success didn’t come without struggle. Economic shifts and delays hit hard in the late 2000s.
“At one point, I thought I had lost everything,” Nathan recalls. “That was my turning point. I learned that losing money isn’t the same as losing your mission.”
For London-based developers, that mindset is especially relevant. Regulatory shifts, political instability, or market volatility can make or break a project. Nathan’s story is a reminder that knowing when to pivot can matter more than staying the course.
A new chapter: Farming, trade, and global impact
In 2012, Nathan made a major shift. He founded Avoveg Health in Kenya and the U.S., focusing on avocado exports. He saw opportunity in Africa’s agriculture sector—and acted.
Today, Avoveg is one of Kenya’s top ten avocado exporters. It ships to markets across Europe and the Middle East. Nathan insists the numbers aren’t what matters most.
“We’re not just exporting avocados. We’re supporting small farmers, paying fair rates, and protecting the land.”
His supply chain includes training programmes for growers, above-market pricing, and eco-conscious harvesting. For UK buyers looking to source ethically, models like Avoveg’s offer a clear path forward.
Loyd Global Consulting: Helping others scale with integrity
After decades of leading businesses, Nathan started Loyd Global Consulting in 2024. The consultancy is based in Washington, D.C., but focuses on helping global companies expand into African markets.
“Too many businesses have potential but no clear strategy,” Nathan says. “I give them tools that actually work—because I’ve lived through it.”
He advises on market entry, risk, and ethical growth. UK businesses with expansion plans in Africa or the Middle East can relate. Many are looking for trusted local insight—and that’s something Nathan delivers.
Faith and philosophy in business
Nathan’s decision-making is rooted in faith. As a Christian, he views business as a form of service, not just profit. His favourite Bible verse is Proverbs 3:5-6:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.”
He uses it often when facing uncertainty in deals or during setbacks. For founders in London’s growing faith-led business community, his approach strikes a chord.
“Faith keeps me grounded,” he says. “It’s easy to get lost in the numbers. But I’ve learned that values guide you through the fog.”
Writing his story: My successful failures
In his book My Successful Failures, Nathan shares stories from his journey. It’s not a traditional success story. He talks about failure openly—how it shaped his thinking, revealed his limits, and made him adapt.
“Failure is feedback,” he says. “If you listen to it, you come back stronger.”
The book resonates with entrepreneurs across cultures, especially in places like London where the startup ecosystem can glamorise fast growth and ignore hardship. Nathan’s message? Don’t fear the pivot. Embrace it.
What London entrepreneurs can take away
Nathan’s career reminds us that international success doesn’t come from theory. It comes from listening, learning, and serving something bigger than your own profits. Whether you’re sourcing ethically, entering a new market, or facing your first business failure, his path shows it’s possible to grow with integrity.
“Success isn’t about being perfect,” he says. “It’s about doing better each time—and helping others rise with you.”
For Londoners navigating uncertain times and global markets, that’s a lesson worth learning.
