Top 10 countries powering Africa’s startup ecosystem in 2025
Africa’s startup ecosystem is expanding as countries adopt digital solutions, attract funding, and support innovation hubs. In 2025, ten countries stand out for their progress, based on a global ranking of startup environments. These rankings reflect the enabling policies, funding access, infrastructure, and business networks that support entrepreneurs across the continent.
As of 2025, Africa is steadily establishing itself as a global hotspot for startups and entrepreneurial activity, with a number of ecosystems making significant strides in both scale and sophistication.
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The Global Startup Ecosystem Index by StartupBlink, published annually since 2017, ranks 1,473 cities and 118 countries worldwide, providing a comprehensive overview of the global startup landscape.
The data showing startup growth globally reveals that Asia–Pacific leads all regions, expanding by +27.4%. Europe follows at +26.2%, with the Middle East & Africa close behind at +24.9%.
The rankings are derived from hundreds of thousands of data points, processed through a proprietary algorithm that assesses ecosystems across three core subscores: Quantity (the level of startup activity), Quality (the success and impact of these activities), and Business Environment (the overall conduciveness of the ecosystem to startup growth).
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This rigorous, data-driven methodology considers factors such as the number of startups, access to funding, and the presence of support structures like accelerators and co-working spaces. It provides valuable insights into emerging trends, highlights successful ecosystem models, and identifies areas in need of strategic intervention.
StartupBlink’s report on Africa highlights a continent undergoing a dynamic shift in its startup ecosystem. Africa’s startup landscape in 2025 shows uneven but dynamic regional growth.
Southern Africa leads with a 24.9% increase in startups. Northern Africa follows with 22.9% growth. Western Africa records 16.4% growth. Eastern Africa sees 6.1%, while Central Africa trails with 1.9%.
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According to StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025, here are the top 10 countries powering Africa’s startup ecosystem in 2025
1. South Africa
Africa Rank: 1
Global Rank: 52
Total Score: 3.927
South Africa maintains the top spot on the continent. Its startup ecosystem continues to benefit from strong financial services, a large consumer base, and multiple incubator programmes. Cape Town and Johannesburg remain active centres for early-stage businesses.
2. Kenya
Africa Rank: 2
Global Rank: 58
Total Score: 2.764
Kenya ranks second with consistent activity from startups in fintech, agriculture, and logistics. Nairobi, often referred to as “Silicon Savannah”, hosts a growing number of tech hubs, supported by local and international investors.
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3. Egypt
Africa Rank: 3
Global Rank: 65
Total Score: 2.100
Egypt holds third place, supported by a young population and increasing investment in digital infrastructure. Cairo is a hub for startups in education technology, e-commerce, and health services.
4. Nigeria
Africa Rank: 4
Global Rank: 66
Total Score: 2.080
Nigeria remains an important player despite a slight drop in global ranking. Lagos, with its large market size and active investor community, continues to support a wave of new tech ventures, especially in fintech and mobile services.
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5. Cape Verde
Africa Rank: 5
Global Rank: 95
Total Score: 1.040
Cape Verde’s inclusion marks a shift towards smaller economies making strategic investments in startups. Its ecosystem is driven by policy incentives, diaspora engagement, and focus on remote work-friendly environments.
6. Ghana
Africa Rank: 6
Global Rank: 81
Total Score: 0.800
Ghana holds sixth place. Accra and Kumasi are emerging centres for technology and social enterprises. The country has seen growing interest from accelerators and venture capital firms.
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7. Tunisia
Africa Rank: 7
Global Rank: 82
Total Score: 0.780
Tunisia has been expanding its startup ecosystem through legal reforms and international partnerships. The Startup Act has helped create a more structured environment for local entrepreneurs.
8. Namibia
Africa Rank: 8
Global Rank: 85
Total Score: 0.740
Namibia’s ecosystem is growing, with Windhoek becoming a space for startups in renewable energy, tourism, and digital services. Support from government and universities has played a role in this rise.
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9. Morocco
Africa Rank: 9
Global Rank: 88
Total Score: 0.680
Morocco ranks ninth, with Casablanca and Rabat acting as centres for innovation in logistics, transport, and agri-tech. International collaborations are helping startups scale.
10. Senegal
Africa Rank: 10
Global Rank: 92
Total Score: 0.570
Senegal rounds out the list. Dakar’s ecosystem is supported by local institutions and international donors, with a strong presence of startups focused on education and mobile platforms.
