💰 Is the Tide Turning for African Startup Funding?
If Africa’s startup funding were a TV show, the last two Januarys would’ve been the ‘fall from grace’ season with VCs pulling back, funding drying up, and founders scrambling for cash. But 2025 just delivered a jaw-dropping plot twist: $289 million raised in just one month!
It's a full-blown resurrection. We're talking a 275% leap from last year, catapulting this January into the second-best performance since 2019. As expected, the ‘Big Four’ markets — Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and South Africa — continued to lead, attracting nearly 60% of all funds.
But, like any great drama, there’s tension beneath the surface. The number of smaller $100K+ deals has actually dropped, meaning it’s not an across-the-board comeback. Instead, a few high-profile startups landed the biggest checks, driving the total funding up.
So, is this the redemption arc Africa’s tech scene has been waiting for, or just a temporary ratings boost before another dip?
Stay tuned for the next January episode.
– Emmanuel
Customized Love Messages: The Power of AI Kissing Video Generators
LEARN MORE📰 News & Insights
What it means: With competitors yet to adjust their rates, Nigerians may face limited options or increased expenses for mobile data access.
Why it matters: With a shift into digital payments, driven by cash shortages and fintech expansion, rising fees and accessibility concerns raise questions about long-term financial inclusion.
- With global car sales topping 88 million, EVs made up one in five purchases in 2024.
- OpenAI is accelerating efforts to launch its first in-house AI chip that will compete with Nvidia AI chips.
- TikTok has found a sneaky way back onto your Android device, even though it’s still officially banned from app stores.