The StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 reveals dynamic shifts in Africa’s innovation landscape. While global growth averaged 21%, Africa’s standout performers defied continental headwinds, with Kenya surging into the global top 60 and Cape Verde dominating West Africa’s growth charts.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Kenya (Rank #58 ↗️)
- +33.5% growth – highest among African peers.
- Nairobi’s momentum fueled by agtech and fintech.
- Cape Verde (Rank #75 ↗️)
- +22.84% growth – #1 in West Africa, outpacing Nigeria.
- Praised for digital inclusion initiatives like Cabo Verde Digital.
- Egypt (Rank #65 ↗️)
- Cairo jumps to #90 globally with +21.9% growth.
- Morocco (Rank #88 ↗️)
- +23.1% growth – highest in North Africa
Challenges Remain
- Nigeria slid to #66 (📉 +5.36% growth), with Lagos dropping to #76 globally.
- Central Africa stagnated (+1.9% growth), while Eastern Africa (+6.1%) lagged behind global averages.
- No African city cracked the top 100 globally, though Johannesburg (#122) overtook Cape Town as South Africa’s leader.
Global Context: Asia Soars, U.S. Slows
- Asia-Pacific led regional growth (+27.4%), driven by Singapore (now #4 globally) and China (45.93% growth).
- North America (+15.7%) slowed, with U.S. cities like SF and NYC losing dominance.
- Foodtech, Hardware/IoT, and Clean Energy were 2025’s fastest-growing sectors.
What Africa Needs?
"Robust startup ecosystems add an antifragile element to the economy, creating jobs and curbing brain drain. Governments must prioritize data-driven strategies."
African success stories like Kenya’s mobile fintech and Cape Verde’s digital governance prove scalability is possible – but partnerships (e.g., Enlota in Egypt, H2I Hub in Angola) must expand.
Africa’s innovation potential is accelerating, but unequal growth demands targeted investment. With ecosystems like Kenya and Cape Verde lighting the path, the continent’s startup revolution is just beginning.
For more information on the report, you can download it HERE
