Exploring Africa, just a moment...
Explore the Intersection of
Technology in Africa
Stories from across African tech, culture, and business—and early access to the Startup Genome, our new database of companies, deals, and founders.
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What’s New Across Africa?
Africa's economic engines are revving up, with countries like Niger, South Sudan, Senegal, and Rwanda projecting impressive GDP growth over the coming years. According to the African Economic Outlook 2024, real GDP across Africa is expected to rise from 3.7% in 2024 to 4.3% in 2025, with 40 countries anticipated to post higher growth in 2024 compared to 2023. Even more remarkable: 10 African nations will rank among the world's top 20 fastest-growing economies in 2024, continuing a decade-long trend[1].
Simultaneously, cultural movements—from Afrobeats to cutting-edge tech hubs—are rewriting the continent's narrative as a global influencer and innovator. Stay informed as we spotlight the continent's most significant stories, from fintech unicorns like Moniepoint, TimeBank empowering financial inclusion to stunning cultural artistry taking the world by storm.
“Real GDP growth in Africa is projected to rise to 3.7% in 2024 and further increase to 4.3% in 2025 🚀” - African Economic Outlook 2024
Highlights & Trending Reads
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Driving Innovation Across the Continent
Fintech & Unicorns:
African fintech continues to gain global attention, as Moniepoint (2024) and TymeBank (2024) join the billion-dollar club alongside Flutterwave (2021), OPay (2021), and Chipper Cash (2021)[2][3]. These companies address crucial gaps in mobile payments, cross-border remittances, and micro-lending, driving financial inclusion across the continent.
Innovation Hubs:
Cities such as Lagos, Nairobi, Cape Town, and Kigali are hotspots for tech accelerators, where ambitious entrepreneurs tackle local problems with globally scalable solutions[4]. For example, iHub in Nairobi has nurtured startups across various sectors, including healthtech, agritech, and edtech[5].
Digital Inclusion:
With mobile penetration on the rise, even remote communities are accessing e-commerce, healthtech, and edtech platforms[6]. The Partnership for Digital Access in Africa (PDAA) aims to double internet connectivity in Africa from 40% to 80% by 2030, connecting one billion people[7]. Mobile money is a cornerstone of this inclusion, enabling financial access for millions who are coming online for the first time.
Data & Connectivity:
A surge in 4G and 5G infrastructure investment is lowering data costs and boosting internet speed. However, only 11% of Africa is covered by 5G, compared to the global average of 51%[8]. Governments and telecom giants collaborate to expand coverage, nurturing future-ready tech ecosystems equipped for AI and IoT innovations.
Opportunity for Investors:
As Africa's working-age population expands, global venture capital sees immense potential in energytech, agritech, and AI-based solutions that meet the continent's unique needs[9]. The Mastercard Foundation has committed over $770 million to digitally empower young people in Africa[7].
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Celebrating Africa’s Cultural Legacy and Future
Music & Dance:
Genres like Afrobeats, Amapiano, and Afropop dominate global streaming charts. Stars such as Burna Boy (Nigeria), Ayra Starr (Nigeria), Tems (Nigeria), Dadju and Tayc (DRC and Cameroon), Fally Ipupa (DRC), Kamo Mpela (South Africa), and Tyla (South Africa) have propelled African rhythms worldwide, amassing billions of streams on platforms like YouTube and Spotify[10].
Fashion & Style:
Vibrant Ankara fabrics, kente designs, and modern African couture inspire runways from Lagos to New York. The Africa Fashion Week 2024 showcased bold prints, Afrocentric accessories, and sustainable fashion trends[11].
Language & Identity:
Over 2,000 languages shape Africa's rich tapestry, fostering cultural pride across the continent. Arabic, Swahili, and Hausa are among the most widely spoken languages, each with millions of speakers across multiple countries[12].
Contemporary Art & Film:
The 15th Biennale of Contemporary African Art in Dakar, held from November 7 to December 7, 2024, under the theme "The Wake – L'Éveil," showcased the latest trends in African art[13]. The film industries in Nigeria (Nollywood), Ghana (Ghollywood), Kenya, and South Africa continue to produce content that resonates worldwide.
Festivals & Events:
From the African Music and Cultural Festival in Melbourne to the African Social Movements Baraza 2024, a series of pan-African celebrations showcases the continent's deep heritage and creative spirit[14][15]. These events reflect Africa's position as a global cultural influencer.
Cultural Deep Dives & Stories
10 Things That Prove South Sudan is More Than a War Zone
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Senegal: The Gateway to Africa’s Culture & Opportunity
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Botswana: Africa’s Diamond Economy with a Clean Reputation
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Mauritius: Africa’s Hidden Gem of Tourism, Trade & Innovation
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Charting Africa’s Dynamic Business Growth
Fastest-Growing Economies:
The African Development Bank and IMF highlight that countries like Niger (11.2%), Senegal (8.2%), and Rwanda (7.2%) continue to post GDP growth rates well above global averages[16]. Meanwhile, South Sudan and Libya (7.9% growth in 2024) lead with projected 2025 growth of +27.2%and +13.7%, respectively[1].
Regional Highlights:
East Africa remains the fastest-growing region, with real GDP forecast to rise from 1.5% in 2023 to 4.9% in 2024 and 5.7% in 2025[1]. West Africa is also set for gains, increasing from 3.6% in 2023 to 4.4% by 2025. Even Central Africa expects a moderate rise from 4.1% in 2024 to 4.7% in 2025[1].
Entrepreneurship & SMEs:
Youth-driven innovation spawns countless startups, especially in West and East Africa. Supportive reforms, plus trade agreements like AfCFTA, open new markets for exporters and encourage cross-border collaboration. The Africa Investment Forum has mobilized nearly $180 billion in investment interest since 2018, supporting entrepreneurs and SMEs across the continent.
Major Industries & Exports:
From cocoa and coffee in West Africa to tech services in Kenya and tourism in Mauritius, the continent's diversification is fueling sustainable growth. The agrifoodtech sector, particularly Ag Marketplaces & Fintech, has seen significant investment, with $65 million raised in 2024[17].
Unicorns & Investment:
Rising incomes and improved ease of doing business continue to attract global investors. African unicorns—like Flutterwave, Moniepoint, TymeBank, OPay, and Chipper Cash—drive a new wave of economic activity, signaling a bright future for Africa's private sector[18].
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Have Questions or Ideas? Let’s Connect!
We’d love to hear from you. Whether you want to partner with us, share feedback, or dive deeper into Africa’s dynamic growth, our team is here to help.
Talk to UsWe’d love to hear from you. Whether you want to partner with us, share feedback, or dive deeper into Africa’s dynamic growth, our team is here to help.
Looking Ahead to Africa’s Bright Future
Africa’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and cultural pride, where dynamic tech ecosystems meet centuries of tradition. As the continent’s population soars and new economic frontiers emerge, the potential for transformative growth is unprecedented. The African Economic Outlook 2024 confirms that with 17 countries on track to grow by over 5% and 10 ranking among the top 20 fastest-growing economies globally, Africa stands at the cusp of an exciting future.
We invite you to stay connected as we go deeper into business insights, culture, and tech revolutions powering a new era in Africa. Ready to explore more? Join our newsletter to remain up-to-date on breakthroughs—from unicorns blazing new trails in fintech to cultural exports captivating global audiences.
Further reading
[1] African Economic Outlook (AEO) 2024
[2] African Unicorns: The Most Funded Startups in Africa by 2024
[3] The complete list of African unicorns today
[4] Africa’s Rising Startup Hubs: Launching the Continent’s Innovation Engine in 2024
[5] Innovation Hubs and Incubators in Africa (2024)
[6] Africa’s Mobile Connectivity: Has the Internet Access Gap Narrowed in 2024?
[7] Mastercard Foundation’s Support for African Youth in the Digital Economy
[8] Connectivity for everyone is key to Africa’s growth and prosperity
[9] Where to Invest in Africa 2024
[10] African artists who impressed in 2024
[11] The Most Unforgettable Style from Africa Fashion Week 2024: What To Expect!
[12] The Rich Tapestry of African Languages
[13] La Biennale de l’Art Africain Contemporain Dak’Art 2024
[14] African Music and Cultural Festival 2024
[15] African Social Movements Baraza 2024: The Power of Movements
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