Deji Garuba的动态

2025 Investments in African tech are looking promising ?? African tech startups witnessed a decline in funding in the first half of 2024, raising $780 million, a 31% drop compared to the same period in 2023. However, the third quarter had an uptick, with $600 million raised, and strong expectations for Q4 indicate a potential strong end to the year. The rebound indicates renewed investor confidence, with resilient sectors and emerging funding avenues fueling the growth potential of African tech, despite recent market slowdowns. Interested in backing the next wave of African innovation? Get in touch. ??

Top 10 most innovative African countries 1)- South Africa????: Leading in various sectors including fintech, renewable energy, and healthcare innovation. 2)- Kenya????: Known for its advancements in mobile money (M-Pesa) and a growing tech startup ecosystem. 3)- Nigeria????: Fast-growing tech scene, especially in fintech and e-commerce sectors. 4)-Rwanda????: Focused on technology and sustainability, with initiatives like the Kigali Innovation City. 5)-Egypt????: Developing a strong tech startup ecosystem, particularly in software and ICT. 6)- Ghana????: Emerging as a hub for tech startups and innovation in West Africa. 7)- Morocco ????: Leading in renewable energy innovation and ICT development. 8)-Tunisia????: Strong in ICT and digital economy, fostering startups and tech innovation. 9)-Uganda????: Innovations in agriculture, healthcare, and mobile technology. 10)- Senegal ????: Advancements in ICT and entrepreneurship, supported by government initiatives. These rankings are dynamic and can change over time as countries continue to invest in innovation infrastructure and foster entrepreneurial ecosystems.

?? Unlocking Africa's Tech Potential: The Essential Role of Non-Tech Elements ?? Africa's tech startup scene is thriving, fueled by a youthful population and increasing access to mobile technology. Innovations in fintech, healthtech, and agritech are making waves, but there's a crucial element that can’t be overlooked: the integration of non-tech or brick-and-mortar elements in business models. Here’s why this hybrid approach is essential, especially in 'low-tech' markets: ? Accessibility: Many regions still face infrastructural challenges, making digital solutions inaccessible to large populations. Physical storefronts and service centers ensure that products and services reach everyone. ? Building Trust: Personal relationships matter. A local presence fosters trust and community engagement, vital for customer loyalty in emerging markets. ? Driving Tech Adoption: Bridging the digital literacy gap is key. Educational initiatives—like workshops and demonstrations—empower customers to embrace technology confidently. ? Efficient Distribution: For e-commerce, last-mile logistics are a challenge. Local delivery teams and pick-up points enhance efficiency and serve a broader market. By combining tech with traditional elements, startups can create an ecosystem that supports customers in becoming tech-enabled. This not only drives scalability for the startups themselves but also contributes to a broader digital transformation across the continent. Let’s embrace this hybrid approach to unlock the full potential of Africa’s innovation landscape! ??? #TechStartups #Africa #DigitalTransformation #Innovation #Entrepreneurship

So what’s going on in the African startup, tech & investment ecosystem? Here are a few announcements, opportunities & resources worth checking out. Week 17 (2024) Post #89 Register for my newsletter for deeper insights launching this month -????link. SPOTLIGHT ???In 2024, more voters than ever in history head to the polls with 64 countries + the European Union that will represent about 49% of the people in the world voting in national elections. This is no-more true than across the African continent where 25 political elections are scheduled to be held. So who is voting & where? Oluwafisayo Olorunfemi, Program Officer at Unfold who pulled together a snapshot of the African voting landscape. Check link in the 1st comment to read what she has pulled together & be sure to give her a follow! NEWS & RESOURCES ???TLcom Capital LLP Capital doubles venture fund to announce $154m close. ??♀??Women Who Build Africa cover HB Review Gender Funding Gap Report. ???Meta trials AI chatbot across WhatsApp, Instagram & Messenger in Africa. ??Kenya’s MarketForce winds down its B2B e-commerce arm via TechCabal. ???Tech Hubs in Africa Growth Report 3rd Ed from International Trade Centre. ???Partech talks backing bold founders and being intentional about exits. ???2nd edition of Disrupt Africa Gender-Focused Research Publication. ???Oyin Solebo on investors shifting focus to startup unit economics. ???? Kenyan Agri-Food Ecosystem Lessons by Hangyul Lee-Song & AgBase. PROGRAMMES & OPPORTUNITIES ?????Ingressive Capital is looking for an Investment Partner. ???VC4A Mentor-Drive Capital #MDC2024 on for Mentor Applications. ???African Union Digital & Innovation Fellowship Info Session for Applications. ?? TechCircle ￡10,000 Startup Pitch2Win 4 is open for applications. ?????AfriLabs Silicon Valley Investment Readiness Programme open for apps. EVENTS ???Apr 20 - 26th: JHB ?????is hosting several key Africa Investor Events. ???April 26th: ABAN Masterclass on Crossboarder Investments. ???April 27th: Yale Africa Startup Review Event. ???April 30th: 2X Global Catalyst Report Launch Webinar. ???To find out more about?Africa Tech & Investment focused events then check out my annual?African Tech Events Watchlist - 2024 Edition. ???Person to Follow #52?-?Elena Haba is the lead of 2X Globals - 2X Ignite Programme supporting emerging female fund managers. Was previously an Investment Advisor for the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund and has worked in investment across the continent. She is one of the continents leaders truly lifting barriers between women and capital. ????Catch the recent live audience podcast recording of The African Pre-seed Podcast in Nairobi. Join host,?Loraine Achar-Ogada, alongside panelists,?Bruce Nsereko-Lule,?June Odongo,?Jason Musyoka, as they touch base on the factors to consider when choosing capital in 2024. Links in 1st comment - reference emojis?? #Startups?#Tech?#Investment?#Africa

The Global Innovation Index 2024 once again highlights Africa’s tremendous potential ?? in the field of innovation. ? The continent is making impressive strides with bold initiatives in technology, education, and startups ??. Leading the way is Morocco, standing out as the top innovator in Africa ????. ? Ranked first on the continent, Morocco showcases its innovation power with significant investments in tech infrastructure, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation ??. ? With its forward-thinking vision, Morocco is positioning itself as Africa’s tech hub, attracting global talent and investments ??. #InnovationAfrica #MoroccoLeader #TechAfrica #DigitalTransformation #GlobalInnovationIndex2024

Israel’s tech ecosystem aligns closely with the U.S. in investment growth, outpacing Europe and Asia, according to the Startup Nation Central Annual Report 2024. Comparing investments in 2024 to investments in 2023: Israel increased by 28% USA increased by 29% Europe declined by 3% Asia declined by 24%

Week 24 (2024) Post #96 Register for my newsletter for deeper insights launching this month -????link. SPOTLIGHT ???The Times 100 Most Influential Companies annual list shines a light on?companies?across industries within multiple pillars including Pioneers, Titans, Leaders, Innovators and Disruptors. But overall recognising companies making an extraordinary impact around the world. This year four companies from the Africa continent have made the list, huge congratulations to M-KOPA (Finance), Food For Education (Health & Education), SPIRO (Mobility & EV) & Boomitra (Agriculture & Finance). NEWS & RESOURCES ???Mastercard & ADBG Launch Alliance to Bridge Digital Divide in Africa. ???Visa welcomes 22 fintechS from Africa to join its 2nd accelerator cohort. ?????GITEX AFRICA, continent’s biggest tech showcase is coming to Nigeria. ??Ag insights platform Gro Intelligence is closing after failing to raise capital. ???‘Unicorn's’ are bad: Accelerate Africa pushes revenue-driven growth. ???iHUB Selects 12 EdTech Startups for Mastercard Fellowship Programme. ???Enhancing Angel Investing in Africa a piece by Harry 'Tomi Davies. ?????South Africa Digital Nomad Visa launches via SA Startup Act Movement. ????First Bank employee on run after diverting ?40 billion; bank begins recovery. PROGRAMMES & OPPORTUNITIES ?????K-Startup Grand Challenge South Korea Expansion Programme open. ???AfriLabs wants researcher for its "2024 Africa Hubs Ecosystem Report.” ???develoPP Ventures Nigeria & South Africa Startup Funding Programme. ?????Orange Corners South Sudan Inaugural Cohort open for applications. ?????Chapter54 Europe to Africa Market Expansion Accelerator call. EVENTS ???May + June Africa’s Tech Ecosystem comes to Europe with 35+ events happening - so check out my digest of all the events linked below. ???Jun 10-12th: London Tech Week is upon us this week! ???Jun 11th: 2024 Africa Prize final: celebrating 10 years of impact in Nairobi. ???Jun 11th: Tech in Ghana - London Edition. ???Jun 12th: London Africa Network x Africa Tech Festival - Ignite London. ???To find out more about?Africa Tech & Investment focused events then check out my annual?African Tech Events Watchlist - 2024 Edition. ???Person to Follow #60?-?Anna Ekeledo is an Ecosystem Builder for Africa’s Pan-African Ecosystem in its fullest form. She is the Executive Director of AfriLabs Foundation, the Tech Hubs Network for Africa. She is an advisor to the Africa-Europe Foundation , World Economic Forum and a Skoll Foundation Fellow. ????We return to an old favour the Building The Future Podcast with host Dr. Dotun Olowoporoku Olowoporoku who in EP #76 spoke with Paystack's, Shola Akinlade on Building for the Long-term, Managing Talent and Growing as a Leader. Very much one to watch! Links in 1st comment - reference emojis?? #Startups?#Tech?#Investment?#Africa

?? CALLING EARLY-STAGE NORTH AFRICAN FOUNDERS At Ingressive Capital, we have noticed that North African seed and pre-seed founders aren't aware that we invest in Egypt and Morocco. North Africa is a key focus area for us. Here’s why: - Egypt Despite near-term challenges, Egypt’s economic outlook is bright. In 2025, GDP growth is expected to rebound, with projections ranging from 4.2% to 4.5% (World Bank, IMF, EBRD). The Ras El-Hekma agreement, a landmark UAE partnership, and rising private consumption fueled by remittance recovery and inflation easing are critical growth drivers. The startup ecosystem is booming—Egypt is one of Africa’s fastest-growing tech hubs, doubling its share of early-stage funding. With over $100M in H1 2021, Egypt is solidifying its place as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship. - Morocco Morocco’s resilience is unmatched. Despite natural disasters and global challenges, the economy is set to grow at 3.3%-4% in 2025 (IMF, OECD). Strategic investments in tourism ($580M over 3 years) and emerging opportunities in Agritech, Cleantech, and EV supply chains (phosphate production) make Morocco a prime market for innovation and exports. Morocco also boasts historically low inflation (1-2%), 100% internet penetration, and an affordable data ecosystem ($0.88/GB)—a fertile ground for tech and financial inclusion. We’re here to support ambitious founders in Egypt, Morocco, and beyond. If you’re building the future of tech in North Africa, we want to hear from you! Apply now to join our portfolio at www.ingressivecapital.com

I had the pleasure of discussing our groundbreaking tech initiative with Andy Rabens, Special Advisor to the Vice President for International Economics and Global Partnerships. Together, we discussed how technology can serve as a catalyst for economic growth and empowerment in Africa. We emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to bridge the digital divide and connect people across the continent. This include expanding access to the internet and digital tools, which will help to empower entrepreneurs, businesses, and individuals to participate in the global digital economy. Our tech initiative focuses on developing innovative solutions that address the specific challenges faced by African countries. We aim to create tech hubs that nurture innovation, provide training and support for tech startups, and foster collaboration between the tech ecosystem and other sectors. Furthermore, we recognize the importance of investing in digital infrastructure and capacity building. Also, providing access to reliable and affordable internet connectivity will help to lay the foundation for sustainable tech-driven growth. We believe that technology has the power to transform lives and create a more prosperous future for Africa. So we are open to working together to unlock the potential of tech to drive economic development, create jobs, and improve the well-being of all Africans. We welcome everyone to this exciting journey. Together we can drive the Africa Economy USA through tech innovation!

?? Why the MENA/GCC Region is Set to Become the Next Global Leader in Early-Stage Tech Funding Success With 21 countries (World Bank) that hold a quarter of Europe's GDP, the MENA region is poised to become a global tech powerhouse. A population of 456 million—almost as large as the EU—MENA’s strategic position, wealth of resources, and young demographic make it ripe for innovation and investment. ??Economic Potential: The region’s oil-rich economies are rapidly diversifying, shifting from reliance on natural resources to building knowledge-based economies, and channeling significant capital into tech and innovation. ???Demographic Advantage:?25% of the population is aged between 18-29, fostering a vibrant, entrepreneurial spirit with immense potential to fuel the startup ecosystem. ???Untapped Market:?As the birthplace of commerce and trade, MENA offers a unique confluence of tradition and modernity. It's ready to embrace tech-driven solutions that solve local challenges and scale globally. For those seeking to invest in early-stage ventures, MENA is no longer just an emerging market—it’s the next frontier of opportunity and growth. #TechFunding #MENA #GCC #Investments