African startups raise $1.3bn in 2026 as fintech leads
African technology startups have raised more than $1.3 billion so far in 2026, signalling continued investor appetite for the continent's fast-growing digital economy despite a broader slowdown in deal activity.
The milestone was reached in early June, boosted by a series of large rounds. Electric-vehicle company Spiro raised $215 million in a single deal, while fintech continued to lead early in the year, drawing significant funding.
Recent fintech deals underscored the sector's momentum. Nala, a Tanzania-founded cross-border payments company, secured a $50 million facility to expand its stablecoin-based payment systems, while LemFi raised tens of millions to grow its financial services for immigrants.
Investors have also doubled down on energy and infrastructure, with the energy and water sector attracting substantial funding aimed at addressing the continent's persistent power gaps. Logistics and transport briefly overtook fintech as the top-funded sector earlier in the year, reflecting growing diversification.
Analysts say pan-African fintech, cross-border payments and shared financial systems — boosted by the African Continental Free Trade Area — are shaping the next phase of the ecosystem. While deal volumes have softened compared with the boom years, the scale of investment points to enduring confidence in African innovation.
