Africa's fintech sector continues to attract substantial venture capital (VC) funding, solidifying its position as a key driver of economic growth on the continent. From 2018 to 2022, the four leading fintech markets—Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya—raised a combined $3.03 billion in funding.
Nigeria has emerged as Africa's fintech powerhouse, securing the highest funding and deal volume in the past five years:
Total Funding (2018-2022): $1.61 billion
Number of Deals: 247
This dominance highlights Nigeria’s mature startup ecosystem, strong consumer demand for digital financial services, and continued investor confidence.
Country | Total Funding (2018-2022) in USD | Number of Deals |
---|---|---|
Nigeria | $1.61 billion | 247 |
South Africa | $0.63 billion | 122 |
Egypt | $0.47 billion | 107 |
Kenya | $0.32 billion | 103 |
South Africa and Egypt are strengthening their fintech presence:
South Africa ($0.63B, 122 deals): Home to a mix of established banks and digital-first startups, making it a balanced fintech ecosystem.
Egypt ($0.47B, 107 deals): A rising star with government-backed fintech initiatives and a growing cashless economy.
Despite receiving the lowest funding among the top four, Kenya ($0.32B, 103 deals) remains a leader in mobile money and digital banking innovations, thanks to platforms like M-Pesa.
With Africa’s digital economy booming, fintech will continue to attract global investors. As funding grows, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Kenya are set to drive the continent’s financial technology evolution.
For deeper insights into Africa’s startup ecosystem—book a free demo now!
Related link: Top 10 Most Funded Startups in Nigeria
The Future of Fintech in Africa
Eighteen percent of the world’s population lives in Africa, and 57% of Africans are ‘unbanked’, without a bank account or a digital wallet. This presents a massive opportunity, making fintech the most dominant and funded tech sector in Africa today. This special report highlights how African fintechs not only have one of the largest total addressable markets globally but are also crucial for achieving financial inclusion and empowering unbanked populations. The potential impact of a successful fintech in Africa is unparalleled. To learn more about the drivers, barriers, and opportunities in African fintech, as well as progress toward financial inclusion, read the special report.
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