A lot has been said about the recent resurgence in funding activities across Africa’s startup ecosystem. But most of the credit has been attributed to the companies on the receiving end of the deals.
Of course, it’s vital to give due credit to their innovative solutions, visions, and results that have encouraged investors to believe in them. However, it’s also crucial to recognize the willingness of the investors to take risks.
Considering how investments in African startups dipped in 2024, it would be natural for investors to take a conservative approach this year. But so far, as we’ve seen, many investors are displaying real trust in the African startup ecosystem and have not just provided funding support for one but several companies.
In this watchlist, we’re looking at some of the most active investors in Africa in 2025. These investors are emerging as key players, fueling ventures across various sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and more. In the early months of 2025, these firms have shown consistent investment activity, participating in both early-stage and growth-stage deals.
Baobab Network
Baobab Network has been one of the most consistent investors and supporters of the African startup ecosystem. Most notably, when investment volumes dipped in 2024, the company continued to provide funding support for African startups. And it hasn’t relented in its efforts even in the early months of 2025.
So far, Baobab Network has been recognized for its early-stage investment approach and accelerator program. Earlier this year, the firm invested in CreditCheck, a fintech startup focused on enhancing credit access for small businesses; Iwomi, a Cameroonian fintech regulatory and compliance solutions provider; Regulon, another regulatory technology company based in Ghana; and CommunityWolf, a startup focused on using AI to fight crime in South Africa.
Flourish Ventures
Similar to Baobab Network, Flourish Ventures has been a significant force in Africa over the years. But it has also cranked up the gears in 2025 with focused funding efforts in the fintech and mobility sectors.
So far this year, the company has been directly involved in two announced funding rounds. The firm backed MoneyHash, an Egyptian startup that secured $5.2 million to expand its payment infrastructure. It also participated in ToumAI’s $1 million pre-seed funding round. Additionally, its subsidiary, Madica, invested $200,000 in each of three startups: Medikea (health-tech), Motherbeing (reproductive health), and Pixii Motors (clean mobility).
Speedinvest
Speedinvest is easily among the most active and rapidly expanding investors in Africa’s growing startup scene. Based on its investment habits, it’s clear that Speedinvest prefers to diversify its portfolio rather than go all in with massive investments in singular entities. However, it tends to get involved with more seasoned, later-stage startup companies. This strategy is reflected in the company’s investment approach in 2025.
So far, Speedinvest has been involved in multiple announced investment deals in 2025. The firm played major roles in Khazna’s $16 million Pre-Series B funding round and Flow48’s $69 million Series A fund. Additionally, Speedinvest co-led a $5 million round for Leta, a Kenyan logistics platform.
DisrupTech Ventures
One of Egypt’s leading venture capital firms, DisrupTech has been living up to its reputation as a company focused on backing founders disrupting the status quo. Over the years, the firm has prioritized investments in startups with fintech and financial services solutions in North Africa, particularly Egypt.
Staying true to its commitment, the company has been superbly active in Egypt’s startup ecosystem in 2025. The firm backed Hamilton, a blockchain startup, in an undisclosed round and was also involved in Khazna’s $16 million Pre-Series B funding. Additionally, it invested $3 million in WideBot, an AI chatbot platform.
DEG
DEG is Germany’s development finance institution dedicated to finding and supporting startups with high-scaling potential worldwide. The firm has recently shown significant interest in Africa’s insurance and small business finance sectors.
Most notably, DEG has invested in Naked Insurance, a South African insurtech, and Oze, a Ghanaian fintech startup that digitizes financial management for small businesses this year, although the details of both investments remain undisclosed.
Visa
Over the past few years, Visa has steadily established itself as a key investor in Africa’s startup funding scene. It’s been involved in several notable funding activities in previous years and continues to make its impact felt across several industries and countries.
So far in 2025, the firm has continued to expand its presence in Africa’s fintech space with multiple key investments. The company was a major participant in a $10 million round for Moniepoint, Nigeria’s latest unicorn operating a banking platform targeting SMEs. Visa also supported Oze, aligning with its broader strategy to promote digital financial inclusion across the continent.
Renew Capital
Pan-African investor Renew Capital has always been a steady name and figure in Africa’s startup funding scene. The VC primarily focuses on innovative companies with high growth potential, supporting them with not only funding but also management development and market access.
Renew Capital remains focused on supporting early-stage African startups in 2025. Though specific investment amounts are undisclosed, the firm’s activities show a continued commitment to growing Africa’s startup ecosystem across multiple regions. Recent investments include Sevi, a Kenyan fintech startup, and Dabchy, a Tunisian fashion e-commerce platform that secured funding in the seven-digit range.
Endeavor Catalyst
As the co-investment fund of Endeavor, the firm was set up to invest in entrepreneur-led companies. The fund focuses its support on startups whose founders display remarkable entrepreneurial acumen and capability for scaling.
So far, Endeavor Catalyst has solidified its position as a leading investor in high-potential African startups in 2025. The firm participated in one of the largest startup funding rounds recorded so far — the $53 million round for LemFi, a Nigerian cross-border payment platform aimed at supporting African migrants. It also co-invested in Taager’s $6.75 million round, reinforcing its interest in Africa’s burgeoning e-commerce and fintech sectors.
Digital Africa
What started as a community of partners coming together to support Africa’s innovative entrepreneurs has grown into a household name as one of the foremost investors in the African startup ecosystem.
The setup has made several investments this year. Among its backed companies are Muzikin, a music-tech startup, and E-pineA, an Agritech venture. Although the investment figures are not disclosed, these initiatives highlight Digital Africa’s diverse portfolio.
Conclusion
The investment landscape in Africa’s startup ecosystem in 2025 is so far being shaped by a blend of global venture firms, development finance institutions, and specialised early-stage investors. Major players like Flourish Ventures, Visa, and Speedinvest are making sizable investments in fintech and e-commerce, while firms such as DEG, Baobab, and Renew Capital are supporting diverse sectors including insurance, logistics, and health tech. As the year unfolds, these investors will likely play a key role in determining the trajectory of Africa’s startup scene, influencing which sectors and companies experience the most growth in a highly competitive market.
