From your writing, it seems your friend already has a precise plan and business at heart so, if he is already tempted to invest thr money .aybe die to the fear of spending the money, then I would advice that he should simply buy a land since land is one investment that I know that it never depreciates but rather always appreciates with time and he could get land in a very promising environment and just relax and watch your wealth grow while you sleep or do other things and I've always been an advocate of multitasking and don't depend on your savings and I'm glad you even have savings, just go buy land or better keep saving and go for the business you already Intend.
I don't know if you have any digital skills, then I will advice that you go acquire a digital skills and also watch more opportunities coming your way as the world is already digitalized.
I'm not sure how long is friend is willing to wait before he can start his dream business because if he is planning to do it earlier than 5 years, then I wouldn't recommend investing in real estate because even if it's a safe investment, it wouldn't give him enough profit in a short period of time.
Real estate is very lucrative and how long your long would stay depends on the thr current location.
You should also try to confirm specific details from your friend as to when he intends using thr money and how much money we're looking at to better give more edge on better recommendations