African startup funding rebounds with over $3bn raised
The African startup scene has seen a remarkable resurgence in fundraising activity, with total funding surpassing previous years. According to Africa: The Big Deal, the continent’s startups have already exceeded last year’s performance, with fintech remaining a dominant sector. Nigerian startups are among the top recipients of funding, alongside Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa. Investor confidence appears to be returning, with improvements noted in equity funding and public market activity.
TLDR
- Africa: The Big Deal reported that startups in Africa raised more than $1.4bn at the halfway point of 2025, with $365m raised in June alone.
- As of 9 December, fundraising in 2025 has exceeded both 2024 and 2023, with over $3bn raised so far.
- The first two IPOs in November after more than six years and Walletdoc’s $23m+ acquisition were highlighted as major milestones.
- Fintech startups attracted about $640m in the first half of the year, accounting for roughly 45% of all disclosed funding.
- Nigerian startups ranked third among top funding recipients in the first five months of 2025, with Egypt, Kenya, and South Africa also attracting significant investment.
