African startups raised approximately $174 million in January 2026, marking a steady start to the year amid continued caution in global venture capital markets. While funding volumes remain below the highs of the 2021–2022 boom, January’s activity shows that investors are still backing startups with clear revenue paths, strong unit economics, and proven demand.
The month’s funding was concentrated across a handful of countries and sectors, with fintech, mobility, and energy-related startups accounting for the bulk of capital deployed.
Funding Concentration by Country
As has become typical in Africa’s venture ecosystem, funding activity in January 2026 was dominated by a small group of markets.
Egypt emerged as the standout, driven largely by large fintech and consumer finance rounds. Nigeria followed closely, supported by mobility, fintech, and industrial technology investments, while Kenya remained a strong performer in East Africa.
Smaller but notable raises also came from Morocco, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana, highlighting continued investor interest beyond the continent’s traditional “Big Four” startup markets.
Funding Breakdown: Country, Startup, and Sector
The table below summarises key disclosed startup raises in January 2026, categorised by country and industry.
African Startup Funding – January 2026
| Country | Startup | Sector | Amount Raised |
|---|---|---|---|
| Egypt | valU | Fintech / Consumer Finance | $63.6m |
| Egypt | NowPay | Fintech / Payroll & HR | $20.0m |
| Egypt | Knot Tech | Fintech / Payments | $1.0m |
| Nigeria | MAX | Mobility / Logistics | $24.0m |
| Nigeria | Cardtonic | Fintech / Digital Payments | $2.1m |
| Kenya | Kiambu | Agri / Infrastructure | $19.0m |
| Morocco | Yakeey | Consumer Services | $15.0m |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Cauridor | Logistics / Transport | $3.5m |
| Ghana | Kuapa Kokoo | Agribusiness | $2.4m |
| Egypt | Enakl | Mobility / Ride-hailing | $2.3m |
| Kenya | Sanivation | Climate / Sanitation | $3.3m |
| Nigeria | Terra Industries | Energy / Industrial Tech | $11.75m |
| Ghana | Aya Data | Data / AI Services | $0.9m |
| Nigeria | OneDosh | Consumer Commerce | $3.0m |
| Nigeria | Woliz | Consumer Services | $2.2m |
Fintech Continues to Dominate
Fintech once again accounted for the largest share of capital raised in January 2026, led by Egypt-based consumer finance platform valU, which alone raised more than a third of the month’s total funding.
Other fintech deals, including NowPay, Knot Tech, and Cardtonic, reflect ongoing investor confidence in platforms that improve payments, payroll, lending, and financial access across Africa. Despite tighter global capital conditions, fintech remains the continent’s most mature and investable startup sector.
Mobility, Energy, and Climate Gain Ground
Beyond fintech, mobility and logistics attracted meaningful funding, with Nigeria’s MAX securing one of the month’s largest rounds. Investor interest in this space continues to focus on platforms improving asset utilisation, transport efficiency, and last-mile delivery.
At the same time, energy, climate, and industrial technology startups such as Terra Industries and Sanivation highlight a growing appetite for solutions addressing infrastructure gaps, sustainability, and industrial productivity—areas increasingly seen as long-term growth drivers.
What January 2026 Signals for African VC
Three clear themes emerge from January’s funding data:
- Capital remains concentrated in Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya
- Fintech continues to anchor investor confidence, even as deal sizes become more disciplined
- Mid-sized growth rounds are replacing mega-rounds, signalling a shift toward sustainability and revenue-driven growth
While $174 million does not signal a full venture market rebound, it does point to a more measured and resilient funding environment, where capital is flowing to startups solving real economic problems.
As 2026 progresses, monthly funding patterns will offer early insight into whether African venture capital is stabilising—or positioning itself for the next growth cycle.
