Africa's Startup Funding Slips in September, Fintech and Clean Energy Thrive
Africa's startup funding space witnessed a notable decline in September 2025, with total funding dropping by 25.7% to $139.4 million compared to August. Despite this decrease, investor interest remained strong in key sectors such as fintech and clean energy.
The month saw 63 disclosed deals, with four startups opting to keep their funding amounts confidential. Egypt, Nigeria, and Kenya continued to lead as Africa's startup hubs, drawing the most deals and investor attention. Notably, a Nigerian clean energy startup, Mopo, secured $6.7 million in debt financing led by Norfund, a Norwegian development institution. This funding, Mopo's second round in two years, will support its expansion and strengthen its renewable energy reach across Nigeria's underserved regions.
The top 10 startups in September accounted for over 80% of the total disclosed funding, attracting $112.2 million. This concentration reflects a broader cooling trend in Africa's venture capital space, which has been evident since mid-2025.
While September's funding figures indicate a decline from August, investor appetite for Africa's startup ecosystem remains robust, particularly in fintech, clean energy, logistics, and agriculture. As demonstrated by Mopo's successful funding round, startups in these sectors continue to attract significant investment, driving growth and innovation across the continent.
