Nathan Loyd Ndungu: From Setbacks to Global Agribusiness Leader

How a Career Pivot Turned Into a Global Success Story

Not all leaders start out knowing exactly where they’ll end up. For Nathan Loyd Ndungu, the path to becoming a top voice in African agribusiness began in real estate, shifted through failure, and found its footing in farming.

“Every challenge I faced was preparing me for something bigger,” he says. Today, Nathan leads two international companies and helps small farmers reach global markets—one avocado at a time.

This is the story of how he got there.

Early Life and Education in Business

Nathan grew up around business conversations. That early exposure sparked a lifelong interest in building things that last. After moving to the U.S., he attended the University of Maryland, College Park. He earned a degree in Business Management in 1994.

“My studies helped me think strategically,” he explains. “But real learning started when I entered the field.”

Real Estate in Rwanda: Ambition Meets Challenge

In 1999, Nathan founded DN International in Kigali, Rwanda. His firm built office buildings, housing, and handled large contracts. Clients included the U.S. Embassy, UNICEF, Coca-Cola, and British Airways.

But growth came with problems. “Regulations shifted. Projects stalled. Cash flow was tight,” he recalls. “We had to make tough decisions fast.”

Eventually, Nathan closed the firm. But instead of quitting business, he used the setback as a reset.

“Failure is not a full stop. It’s just a new paragraph.”

Moving into Agribusiness: A Strategic Pivot

Nathan didn’t leave business behind. He turned his focus to agriculture—specifically avocados, which were gaining global demand.

In 2011, he founded Avoveg Health Kenya Ltd, later launching Avoveg Health LLC in the U.S. His vision: Help small-scale farmers get access to training, fair pricing, and reliable export routes.

Today, Avoveg is one of Kenya’s top 10 avocado exporters to Europe and the Middle East.

“We’re not just shipping fruit,” Nathan says. “We’re building systems that raise incomes and improve quality of life.”

Lessons from Consulting and Global Trade

Nathan also worked as a technical consultant in mineral processing in the Democratic Republic of Congo. There, he helped companies improve production systems and navigate complex trade policies.

Those experiences shaped how he views business expansion: it has to be grounded in trust, adaptability, and knowledge.

“Markets change. Rules change. Your ability to adjust makes or breaks the business.”

In 2025, he launched Loyd Global Consulting to advise others on market entry, ethics, and long-term planning.

Author of “My Successful Failures”

Nathan put his experiences into a book, My Successful Failures. It tells the story of how setbacks became his greatest teachers.

“When real estate collapsed, it felt like the end,” he writes. “But that pain forced me to rethink everything.”

The book breaks down real-life challenges and the tools he used to move forward—resilience, faith, and discipline.

Grounded in Faith and Purpose

Nathan often talks about how his faith guides his business. A favorite verse he shares is Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you…”

That belief shaped how he leads. “I start each day with prayer and planning,” he says. “It keeps me centered.”

He also mentors young entrepreneurs and supports farmer training programs in Kenya.

“It’s not about just building a brand. It’s about building people.”

What Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Nathan

Nathan’s journey shows how careers aren’t always straight lines. He didn’t go from college to success. He hit major roadblocks—and chose to learn from them.

His advice?

• Start with a clear vision, but don’t fear detours.
• Measure success by impact, not just profits.
• Be ready to pivot when things go wrong.
• Invest in people, not just products.

Building with Integrity

Nathan Loyd Ndungu proves that business growth doesn’t have to come at the cost of values. From real estate setbacks to leading a global export firm, he stayed grounded in ethics, strategy, and service.

“Success is not just about winning,” he says. “It’s about lifting others as you rise.”

For anyone trying to grow something meaningful—whether in business, trade, or life—his journey is a reminder that failure isn’t the end. It’s just the start of what’s next.