Startup Researcher - Africa: Week 34, 2025

This week on Startup Researcher Africa, we dive into the latest developments shaping the continent’s startup and venture capital ecosystem, from policy shifts and funding milestones to groundbreaking ventures and investor moves.

00:22 Important News
01:40 Top Funding Rounds
01:55 About Investors
02:26 Startup of the Week
02:40 Investor of the Week
03:00 Opportunity Radar

In Nigeria, Lagos State rolled out a $20 million Innovation Bill to strengthen the country’s technology ecosystem by funding startups, research, and hubs through a dedicated R&D&I fund. Meanwhile, Algeria introduced its first regulatory framework for digital wallets, requiring transactions in dinars, setting tiered limits, and enhancing consumer safeguards—marking a key step in fintech governance.

On the blockchain front, Nigerian exchange Roqqu partnered with SiBAN to enhance asset credibility and financial inclusion, while YC alum Oluwatomi Ayorinde launched Timon, a travel-fintech platform providing global cards to Africans abroad, tackling persistent issues with cross-border banking and fraud. In Egypt, ITIDA’s Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre selected eight startups for its 47th Start IT incubation round, providing funding and mentorship to early-stage founders.

Funding activity was also strong this week. Hewatele raised $10.5 million to build East Africa’s first large-scale liquid oxygen facility using advanced air separation technology, addressing medical oxygen shortages and strengthening healthcare systems. On the investor side, Uncovered Fund and Monex Ventures launched a $20 million fund for early-stage African startups, particularly in fintech and mobility, while Impact Fund Denmark and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs unveiled a $54.6 million Africa facility to boost sustainable investment flows into the region.

Our Startup of the Week is Moove, founded in 2020, which has raised over $400 million and is expanding globally with its innovative drive-to-own vehicle financing model. The Investor of the Week is Silverbacks Holdings, a Mauritius-based permanent capital investor managing a $10 billion portfolio with major names like Flutterwave, Wave, and Moove, and successful exits such as Lemfay and Omniretail.

Finally, don’t miss the NBA Africa Triple-Double Accelerator 2025, now open for applications, offering mentorship, exposure, and up to $50,000 in support for early-stage startups in sports and the creative industries.

Tune in to stay ahead of Africa’s fast-moving startup and VC landscape—where innovation meets investment, and the future of entrepreneurship is being built today.