Dr. Julius Oni, orthopedic surgeon, investor, and co-founder of XSITE Capital, joins The Afropolitan Podcast to reveal how he left Johns Hopkins Hospital to transform Africa’s healthcare system—and why Nigeria is now one of the most powerful emerging markets for medical innovation, investment, and talent.
From building a $243M real estate portfolio to returning home to tackle Nigeria’s $2B medical tourism gap, Julius opens up about the discipline, sacrifice, and purpose behind choosing legacy over comfort. He breaks down what it truly takes to move back, build systems in Africa, and deliver world-class care in a market where 220 million people are served by fewer than 500 orthopedic surgeons.
He opens up about:
◼️ Why Nigeria’s $2B medical tourism crisis is Africa’s biggest opportunity
◼️ The business model behind building sustainable healthcare in emerging markets
◼️ Leaving a top U.S. hospital to pursue purpose — not prestige
◼️ How he built financial freedom through real estate before moving back
◼️ What African professionals must understand about risk, faith, and purpose
◼️ How XSITE Capital grew to $243 million while empowering the diaspora
If you’re a builder, investor, or African professional planning your “move back,” this episode will give you the frameworks, courage, and clarity to build boldly.
Instagram – instagram.com/doctorjko
XSITE Capital – https://www.xsitecapital.com
Oni Clinic - https://www.oniclinic.com
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00:00 Intro: Africa’s Healthcare & Future of Medical Innovation
01:30 Nigeria’s $2B Medical Tourism Problem
02:56 The Reality of Bone Setters & Healthcare Gaps
05:19 Why Healthcare in Africa Is a Long-Term Investment
06:13 The Insurance Divide & Business Opportunity
08:33 Reversing Medical Tourism — Nigeria as a Health Hub
10:53 Why U.S. Healthcare Costs 4× More
12:40 The Long Game: Building Quality Medical Systems
14:32 Why He Chose Medicine & Orthopedics
18:40 Purpose Awakening: The Moment Everything Changed
21:00 Leaving Johns Hopkins to Serve Nigeria
24:51 Building Financial Independence Before Returning
27:15 Choosing Purpose Over Comfort
29:11 The Role of Privilege, Luck & Faith
31:34 Finding a North Star to Guide Your Decisions
34:19 Vision Frameworks for African Professionals
37:40 The Truth About Patient Trust in Africa
39:33 Performing Surgery on Presidents & Public Figures
46:35 The Mental Discipline Required in Surgery
52:15 Afrobeats, Black Coffee & Music in the OR
53:44 Nigeria’s Healthcare Renaissance
57:01 IVF, Sickle Cell, and Medical Breakthroughs in Africa
01:00:24 The Post That Went Viral: Moving Back to Nigeria
01:03:33 Staying Focused Amid Criticism
01:07:16 Building Excite Capital to $243M
01:22:08 Understanding Multi-Family Real Estate
01:26:28 How Black Professionals Can Build Wealth Together
01:28:42 Afropolitan Toast Segment
01:30:06 Rapid Fire: Culture, Legacy & Identity
01:35:06 Who Julius Wants Next on Afropolitan
Learn the strategies behind tech and crypto within the African diaspora. We demystify the pathways to limitless value creation within these emerging technologies and the communities around them.
