African Startup Funding Surpasses $1 Billion Mark, Led by Egypt, Amidst Economic Instability
In the first half of 2025, the African startup landscape has shown remarkable growth and resilience, with a total of $1.35 billion raised, marking a 78% increase year-on-year. The "Big Four" countries - Egypt, South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya - have taken the lead, collectively attracting 84% of all startup funding on the continent.
Egypt, in particular, has emerged as a powerhouse, raising over $330 million (31% of the total funding). South Africa followed closely with 26%, Nigeria attracted 15%, and Kenya received 12%.
In May 2025 alone, 36 startups raised a total of $254 million, with Egyptian startups dominating the large deals. Notable Egyptian startups that secured significant funding include Nawy, MNT-Halan, Valu, Thndr, Slyndr, and MoneyFellow.
Nawy, a proptech startup, raised a massive $75 million through a mix of series A funding and debt financing. MNT-Halan, a fintech startup, raised $50 million, while Valu, another fintech firm, secured $27 million from Saudi Arabian investors. Thndr and Slyndr raised $15.7 million and $15 million respectively, and MoneyFellow secured $13 million in a pre-Series C round.
From South Africa, the health tech startup AURA raised $15 million in a Series B round, co-led by Partech and the Cairo Angels Innovation Fund.
The funding landscape in Africa in 2025 shows strong momentum, with equity investments leading growth particularly in the fintech, health tech, and logistics sectors. This reflects Egypt’s breakout leadership in funding and the sustained importance of South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya in Africa’s startup ecosystem.
The following table summarises the key funding in May 2025:
| Country | % of Total Funding (H1 2025) | Notable Startups Funded in May 2025 | Amount Raised (May 2025) | |---------------|------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------| | Egypt | 31% | Nawy, MNT-Halan, Valu, Thndr, Slyndr, MoneyFellow | $75M, $50M, $27M, $15.7M+ | | South Africa | 26% | AURA (health tech) | $15M | | Nigeria | 15% | — (No specific May deals noted) | — | | Kenya | 12% | — (Decline in major deals recently) | — |
Despite a slight slowdown in February, the total funding for the first five months of 2025 still hit the $1 billion mark. The momentum continues, with African startups securing over $2.5 billion between June 2024 and June 2025, signalling a promising future for the continent's startup ecosystem.
Health tech startup AURA from South Africa secured $15 million in a Series B round, demonstrating the growth in funding for the sector in Africa. The technology industry, particularly fintech, health tech, and logistics, is witnessing significant investment, with Egypt emerging as a leader in this arena.
