African startups raised $3.9bn across 506 deals in 2025, signalling a steadying pulse for the continent’s venture ecosystem after two years of global market adjustment, according to AVCA’s newly released 2025 Venture Capital Activity in Africa report. While overall capital deployment remains below previous the highs of previous cycles, deal activity stabilised in 2025. Deal volume rose 4% YoY, making Africa the only global region where venture activity did not decline. Trade sales continued to anchor exit activity, accounting for over 70% of both exit volume and value, however exit routes have broadened modestly. Commenting on the findings, Abi Mustapha-Maduakor, Chief Executive Officer of AVCA, said: “The African venture capital ecosystem is recalibrating towards patient, structured and locally anchored capital.

Source: The North Africa Journal February 17, 2026 13:35 UTC