Startup Researcher - Africa: Week 30, 2025

Stay sharp on Africa’s startup and venture capital pulse with this week’s Startup Researcher Africa podcast — your no-fluff roundup of what’s shaping innovation across the continent.

Key Moments:
00:20 Important News
01:10 Top Funding Rounds
01:50 Notable Exits
02:00 About Investors
02:25 Startup of the Week
02:50 Investor of the Week
03:20 Opportunity Radar

This episode unpacks critical updates in fintech regulation, funding trends, crypto, and investor shifts. Nigeria’s tax authority is gearing up to launch real-time VAT tracking for banks and fintechs by 2026, aiming to plug digital tax gaps. Ghana is finalizing long-awaited crypto regulations by September 2025, a move set to boost cross-border commerce. Meanwhile, Egypt’s Financial Regulatory Authority approved five fintech initiatives to unlock innovation in the non-banking space.

In regional news, AfriLabs and the African Telecommunications Union inked a strategic MoU to align policies and infrastructure for frontier tech growth. Luno made headlines by launching Nigeria’s first crypto staking service, offering up to 18% annual returns—zero fees, no lock-in.

On the funding front, BURN raised $10 million from the African Development Bank and SEFA to deploy clean cooking tech across East Africa. Egypt’s Flend secured $3 million to grow SME lending, while Eyone Medical raised another $3 million to scale digital health in West Africa. Tru, founded by Temilola Giwa (ex-Paystack) and Temilola Famuboni, raised $130K via Kickstarter for its wearable step tracker. Rujo Agri-Trade also closed funding to expand Ghana’s rice and soybean supply chains, supporting 3,000+ farmers.

Exit activity sees Verod Capital complete its full exit from TAG West Africa, owners of Lancaster University Ghana, after eight years of backing.

On the investor front, 54 Collective collapsed after Mastercard Foundation withdrew $114 million over governance concerns. But Egypt’s Breadfast delivered a bright spot, hitting $150 million ARR and a $382 million valuation, while expanding into fintech with Breadfast Pay.

Startup of the Week: Flutterwave — the $3 billion fintech juggernaut revolutionizing global payments from Africa.
Investor of the Week: Future Africa, led by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, doubling down on deep tech and climate via its newest challenge fund.

Plus: Applications are open for Startup Elevate Japan 2025 — a golden chance for healthtech, deep tech, and sustainability founders to gain global exposure.