How many startups are there in Africa?

3,251 technology companies are on the StartupList Africa record as of 10 Oct 2026, with $44.6B in disclosed funding between them. 13 have a latest known disclosed valuation of $1B or more.

Which African countries have the most startups?

Nigeria (772), Egypt (715), South Africa (528) and Kenya (444). Together they are home to 2,459 of the 3,251 companies on the record.

What are the largest startup sectors in Africa?

Financial Services (638), FinTech (559), SaaS (254), Health Care (250) and E-Commerce (227), by number of companies on the record.

How do I narrow the list?

Search by name, then filter by industry, stage and country. Every filtered view has its own link you can share.

How does a startup get listed?

Founders submit their company through the free submission form. Existing profiles can be claimed by their team from the profile page.

StartupsDirectory · updated daily

Venture-stage startups in Africa

Name: SLA Startup Index — startups in Africa
Creator: StartupList Africa
License: https://www.startuplist.africa/attribution-policy

259 startups on the record match this view, sorted by momentum.

3,251 companiesSource: SLA Startup IndexHow we count →Submit a startup →

Venture-stage startups in Africa259 · by momentum

Clear filters

#	Startup	Sector	Last round	Raised	Founded	Employees
1	JumiaLagos, NigeriaVenture	Consumer Goods	Venture	$855M	2012	1,001+
2	Cassava TechnologiesCape Town, South AfricaVenture	Information Technology & Services	Venture	$360M	2021	501+
3	Zola ElectricLagos, NigeriaVenture	Energy & Environment Resources	Venture	$306M	2011	1,001+
4	CrossBoundary EnergyNairobi, KenyaVenture	Energy	Venture	$285M	2022	51+
5	TakealotCape Town, South AfricaVenture	E-Commerce	Venture	$212M	2010	10,001+
6	BURNRiuru, KenyaVenture	Environmental Services	Venture	$135M	2011	1,001+
7	Yellow CardLagos, NigeriaVenture	FinTech	Venture	$130M	2016	11–50
8	AgriProteinCape Town, South AfricaVenture	Agriculture	Venture	$123M	2008	101+
9	BlnkGiza, EgyptVenture	BNPL	Venture	$106M	2020	51+
10	mPharmaAccra, GhanaVenture	Health Care	Venture	$104M	2013	51+
11	LXE HearingSan Jose, United StatesVenture	Health Care	Venture	$100M	2025	Not disclosed
12	MainOneLagos, NigeriaVenture	Telecommunications	Venture	$100M	2007	201+
13	CSquaredNairobi, KenyaVenture	Communication Hardware	Venture	$100M	2013	101+
14	caifDakar, SenegalEst. 2003Venture	Education	Venture	$88M	2003	1+
15	WeBuyCarsCape Town, South AfricaEst. 2001Venture	Automotive	Venture	$85M	2001	501+
16	MawinguNanyuki, KenyaVenture	Internet	Venture	$69M	2013	51+
17	Hygeia HMOLagos, NigeriaEst. 1984Venture	HealthTech	Venture	$67M	1984	51+
18	Virunga PowerNairobi, KenyaVenture	Energy	Venture	$65M	2011	11+
19	Sigma PensionsAbuja, NigeriaEst. 2004Venture	Pension	Venture	$62M	2004	201+
20	Sierra RutileFreetown, Sierra LeoneEst. 1971Venture	Mineral	Venture	$60M	1971	1,001+

SLA Startup Index · as of 10 Oct 2026 · raised is disclosed funding

Your view shows the first 20 startups of each search.

Frequently asked about African startups

How many startups are there in Africa?: 3,251 technology companies are on the StartupList Africa record as of 10 Oct 2026, with $44.6B in disclosed funding between them. 13 have a latest known disclosed valuation of $1B or more.
Which African countries have the most startups?: Nigeria (772), Egypt (715), South Africa (528) and Kenya (444). Together they are home to 2,459 of the 3,251 companies on the record.
What are the largest startup sectors in Africa?: Financial Services (638), FinTech (559), SaaS (254), Health Care (250) and E-Commerce (227), by number of companies on the record.
How do I narrow the list?: Search by name, then filter by industry, stage and country. Every filtered view has its own link you can share.
How does a startup get listed?: Founders submit their company through the free submission form. Existing profiles can be claimed by their team from the profile page.

Cite this page

StartupList Africa, “Startups in Africa”, updated 10 Oct 2026.

startuplist.africa/startups