- African startups raised $110 million in April 2026, down 27.1% from March and the lowest monthly total since March 2025.
- Startups across the continent secured $708 million across 124 deals during the first four months of 2026, compared to $813 million across 180 deals a year ago.
- Investors continued to favor less risky and more profitable business models amid higher global interest rates.
African startups raised $110 million in April 2026, a 27.1% decline from $151 million in March. data compiled by Africa: big dealWhich tracks transactions over $100,000.
The figure is the lowest monthly fundraising since March 2025, when startups raised $55 million. The amount remained well below the 12-month monthly average of $275 million.
During the first four months of 2026, African startups raised $708 million through 124 transactions.
By comparison, startups on the continent raised $813 million across 180 deals during the same period in 2025. The data showed a 13% decline in funding value and a 31% decline in the number of transactions.
Energy and fintech companies participated in the largest fundraising rounds in April.
Egyptian company MNT-Halan closed the month's largest funding round with $41.3 million. Meanwhile, Kenya-based renewable energy company CrossBoundary Energy raised $40 million.
Togolese mobility platform Gozem received $24.5 million in debt financing from the International Finance Corporation to support the expansion of its vehicle fleet in Benin, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo and Togo.
said “Big Four” The markets – Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt – dominated investment flows, although their relative shares showed signs of moderate easing.
The funding contraction reflects a venture capital market that has become increasingly selective since the sector's 2022 peak.
Investors are now preferring startups with low-risk transactions and clear profitability prospects as high global interest rates are putting pressure on funding conditions.
Organizations such as International Finance Corporation, Launch Africa, Partek, Norscan22 and Digital Africa are among the most active investors since the beginning of the year.
At the same time, Asian investors, especially Japanese investors, increased their participation in African startup financing rounds.
This article was originally published in French by Adoni Conrad Quenam
Adapted into English by Ange JA de Berry Quenam