Africa’s startup ecosystem delivered one of its strongest performances in company exits during the first half of 2026, but beneath that positive headline lies a more troubling trend: fewer startups are securing funding, especially at the earliest stages where future high-growth companies are born.
New data released by Africa: The Big Deal shows that startups across the continent raised $1.36 billion between January and June 2026, broadly in line with the $1.44 billion raised during the same period in 2025.
However, funding remained 22 percent below the $1.7 billion recorded in the second half of 2025, suggesting that the rebound seen late last year has lost momentum.
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While the total amount invested appears resilient, the number of startups attracting capital tells a different story.
Only 190 African startups raised at least $100,000 during the first six
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