Power List: 30 African Startups Defining 2025

2024 brought significant challenges for African startups, with notable closures occurring across the continent. Like other ecosystems worldwide, Africa faced difficulties, including funding constraints. Nigeria experienced setbacks in fintech and e-commerce. Kenya saw supply chain innovators like Marketforce shut down its e-commerce arm and iProcure’s file for bankruptcy, Egypt’s SWVL struggled through restructuring, and Tunisia and South Africa grappled with funding declines. Despite these obstacles, resilience and creativity remained defining characteristics, reflecting Africa’s indomitable entrepreneurial spirit. Startups sought new ways to make revenue and scale.

As the new year ushers in a wave of refreshing optimism, we’re excited to unveil the Power List of 2025: 30 companies redefining the year and worth keeping an eye on. Carefully selected from over 200 nominations in partnership with investors and ecosystem leaders across Africa’s five regions, this list highlights startups with innovative business models, significant growth potential, and transformative impact.

From AI and cleantech to health and fintech, these startups are pioneering solutions and shaping the future of Africa. Curious to discover the next big innovators? These are the companies you should partner with or invest in for 2025.

BAKO MOTORS

Founder: Boubaker Siala

Equity Raised: $100k

Backed By: Flat6Labs Tunis, Taqadam
Bako Motors is an innovative company that focuses on the creation of solar-powered electric vehicles, positioning itself prominently within the sustainable transportation industry. Established in 2021 and headquartered in Tunis, Tunisia, Bako Motors aims to provide affordable, eco-friendly transportation solutions that utilize solar energy for mobility. The company's primary market is the sustainable mobility sector, particularly emphasizing urban commuting and last-mile delivery services.

Bako Motors' flagship product, the Bako B1, represents a significant advancement in urban transportation. This electric tricycle is specifically designed for last-mile delivery and small business operations. It features a photovoltaic panel that allows it to travel up to 50 kilometers daily using solar power, significantly reducing operational costs to just $0.50 for every 100 kilometers traveled.

Blu Penguin

Founder: Tenu Awoonor

Equity Raised: N/A

Backed By: Visa Africa Accelerator
The Blu Penguin specializes in providing comprehensive offline payment solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of businesses. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Cantonments, Accra, Ghana, the company has emerged as a key player in the fintech sector, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). One of the standout features of The Blu Penguin is its Tap ’n’ Pay technology, which enables quick and contactless transactions

This feature enhances the overall customer experience by providing a fast and secure way to complete payments. Additionally, the company offers the BluPay platform, which allows businesses to receive direct payments into their bank accounts. This service eliminates the complexities associated with managing multiple payment gateways, making it easier for merchants to manage their cash flow.

BUNCE

Founders: Paul Ayuk & Justus Oseuno

Equity Raised: $171k

Backed By: Baobob Network, AWS Fintech Africa Accelerator, Startup Wise Guys, NC-AIR Google AI Fund

Founded in 2021 and headquartered in Miami, Florida, Bunce is a technology company specializing in providing innovative tools designed for marketing, product, and growth teams to communicate effectively with customers across multiple channels. By leveraging payment data, customer behavior, actions, and intent, Bunce enables businesses to enhance their customer engagement strategies and drive revenue growth.

Since its inception, Bunce has aimed to expand its reach both regionally and globally. The company is focused on forming partnerships and seeking advisors to facilitate its growth ambitions.

CARDTONIC

CEO: Emmanuel Sohe

Equity Raised: N/A

Backed By: N/A

Cardtonic is a digital exchange platform that specializes in the trading of digital assets and gift cards within the financial services industry. Founded in 2016 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, the company has established itself as a key player in simplifying the process of exchanging digital assets for cash. Cardtonic provides a range of services that allow individuals to buy and sell gift cards, manage bill payments, and obtain virtual dollar cards, thereby enhancing the accessibility of financial transactions for its users.

In addition to facilitating gift card exchanges, Cardtonic also provides a virtual bank account service that simplifies financial transactions. This service allows users to make online purchases and pay for services using virtual dollar cards, which are particularly useful for international transactions that often face restrictions with local debit cards.

CATLOG

Founders: Silas Adedoyin & Gbolahan L.

Equity Raised: N/A

Backed By: Techstars, Ventures Platform, and Voltron Capital.
Catlog specializes in facilitating online sales for businesses through social media platforms. The company provides tools for managing orders via chat, collecting payments, issuing invoices, and organizing deliveries. Founded in 2022, Catlog primarily serves businesses looking to streamline their sales and order management processes on social media. It is based in Lagos, Nigeria.

As social media continues to evolve into a powerful marketplace, Catlog positions itself as a vital partner for companies looking to navigate this landscape effectively.

CHPTER

Founders: Tesh Mbabu, Kuria Kevin & Mark Kiare

Equity Raised: $1.45m

Backed By: PANI, Norrsken, Safaricom, Spark Accelerator, Techstars, Viktoria Ventures, Renew Capital, Plesion Capital.
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, Chpter focuses on enhancing the online shopping experience by providing essential solutions that encompass checkout and payment processing, customer management software, marketing automation, and business analytics.

Marketing automation is another key feature of Chpter’s offerings. This functionality allows businesses to create targeted marketing campaigns based on customer behavior and preferences.

EARTHBOND

Founder: Chidalu Onyenso

Equity Raised: $350k

Backed By: Madica, Google for Startup Accelerator: Africa, Catalyst Fund

Earthbond is dedicated to providing solar energy solutions tailored to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa. Established in 2022 and headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, Earthbond aims to address the pressing energy challenges faced by businesses in the region, particularly those reliant on costly and environmentally harmful fossil fuel generators.

Since its inception, Earthbond has made significant strides in its mission. The company has already conducted audits for over 400 potential customers and established a robust pipeline of solar projects valued at approximately $1 million. With more than 1,800 SMEs expressing interest in its services, the demand for affordable solar solutions is evident.

IZI ELECTRIC

Founder: Alexander Wilson

Equity Raised: $220k

Backed By: Rwanda Green Fund
IZI is an innovative company dedicated to sustainable transportation and the integration of electric vehicles within the public transport sector. Founded in 2023 and based in Rwanda, IZI offers a groundbreaking service known as E-Mobility-as-a-Service.

This service provides a comprehensive leasing package for electric buses, which includes not only the vehicles themselves but also fleet management and maintenance support. By adopting this model, public transport operators can significantly reduce their operational costs while transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable transportation solutions.

JUMP’ n PASS

Founders: Tunde Ademuyiwa & Qudus Quadri

Equity Raised: $120k

Backed By: Techstars, NSIA Prize for Innovation
Jump n Pass is a pioneering self-checkout technology solution company tailored for the retail sector. Founded in 2023 and based in Los Angeles, California, the company has developed an innovative mobile platform that allows customers to scan items and pay directly through their smartphones. This approach aims to enhance the shopping experience by significantly reducing wait times at checkout, addressing a common pain point in retail.

As Jump n Pass continues to expand its footprint in Nigeria, it has plans for future growth into international markets where mobile penetration is high and there is increasing demand for innovative retail solutions. The company’s focus on integrating seamlessly with existing retail systems positions it well for scalability and adaptability in diverse market environments.

Kora

Founder: Dickson Nsofor

Equity Raised: $120k+

Backed By: Panache Ventures, AE Ventures & Private Investors.

Kora is a leading innovator in the financial technology industry, dedicated to revolutionizing payment infrastructure for businesses with cutting-edge solutions. Established in 2017 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, Kora takes an ecosystem-driven approach to payments, bridging global markets and enabling seamless, secure, and efficient transactions.

The company provides a comprehensive range of services, including pay-ins, payouts, and cross-border settlements, tailored to meet the needs of industries such as e-commerce, fintech, and retail. Kora's advanced platform empowers businesses to accept payments in multiple currencies and offers a variety of payment options, including card payments, bank transfers, and mobile money. This flexibility is especially valuable for businesses operating in Africa, where diverse and dynamic payment preferences are the norm. Kora remains committed to driving financial inclusion and simplifying global commerce for businesses of all sizes.

LENGO AI

Founders: Max A. Smith, Ismaila SECK, Roger Xavier Macia

Equity Raised: N/A

Backed By: Ventures Platform, Acacia Capital, Voltron Capital, Google for Startups Accelerator, Launch Africa.
Founded in 2022 and based in Dakar, Senegal, Lengo is pioneering the development of a comprehensive platform that offers valuable data insights on market share, pricing, competition, and retail analytics tailored for FMCG companies.

Lengo is an innovative company operating in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. It specifically focuses on providing AI solutions for the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry.

MNZL

Founder: Sameh Saleh & Bassem E.

Equity Raised: $3.5m

Backed By: P1 Ventures, Enza Capital, First Circle Capital, Ingressive Capital, 500 Startups Global, Beenok, Local Globe, Flat6 Lab
MNZL is a fintech company focused on expanding access to capital through asset-backed financing within the financial services sector. Founded in 2022 and based in Cairo, Egypt, MNZL provides a digital platform that enables asset owners to unlock liquidity for their projects and personal needs by leveraging the wealth embedded in their assets. This innovative approach primarily targets individuals seeking financial solutions that allow them to utilize their owned assets, such as homes and cars, as collateral for loans.

NALA

Founder: Benjamin Fernandes  

Equity Raised: $50m

Backed By: Acrew Capital, Norrsken22, Nyca Partners, DST Global, HOF Capital, Accel, VentureSouq, Amplo, DSF Lab, Bessemer Venture Partners.
NALA enables users to send money from the UK, US, and EU to several African countries, including Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Rwanda, Cameroon, Côte d'Ivoire, and Senegal. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, NALA has quickly established itself as a reliable platform for individuals and businesses seeking to send money across borders. The company’s mobile application allows users to transfer funds effortlessly, providing an efficient and user-friendly experience.

For businesses, NALA offers tailored solutions that include competitive exchange rates and high transaction limits, up to $5,000 daily. The platform also provides a web-based portal for business accounts, facilitating easy access to financial management tools.

NOORNATION

Founders: Ragy Ramadan & Mohamed M. Khaled

Equity Raised: N/A

Backed By: KBW Ventures, Catalyst Fund, Greenhouse Accelerator
NoorNation is an innovative renewable energy startup based in Cairo, Egypt, dedicated to developing and manufacturing decentralized infrastructure solutions. Founded in 2021, the company addresses the critical needs of underserved communities across Egypt and Sub-Saharan Africa by providing essential services such as clean energy and safe water.

At the heart of NoorNation's offerings is the LifeBox, a mobile, solar-powered unit designed to deliver clean electricity and safe water. This versatile solution is particularly aimed at supporting sectors like agriculture, tourism, and rural communities striving for sustainable growth. The LifeBox is engineered to be a self-contained, plug-and-play system that can be rapidly deployed in remote areas where access to traditional energy and water sources is limited.

ORCA

Founders: Thalia Pillay & Carla Wilby 

Equity Raised: $500k

Backed By: First Circle Capital, Norrsken22, Kara Ventures, Musha Ventures
Orca offers a fraud orchestration platform designed to empower businesses of all sizes—from startups to established financial institutions—to combat fraud effectively without requiring extensive programming skills. This user-friendly platform leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to prioritize review queues, enabling fraud analysts and compliance officers to focus their efforts on the most pressing threats.

Established in January 2024 and headquartered in Cape Town, South Africa, Orca aims to address the unique challenges posed by fraud in emerging markets, particularly within the African fintech landscape.

PATIENTCARE

Founder: Jesse Liula

Equity Raised: N/A

Backed By: Timbuktoo, UNDP, Cocreation hub,
PatientCare is a promising health startup dedicated to making healthcare more accessible and affordable across Africa. Founded in 2024, the company leverages digital technology to provide remote access to healthcare services, allowing individuals to connect with experienced healthcare professionals and trusted service providers from the comfort of their homes. This innovative approach aims to address the significant barriers many people face in accessing quality medical care, particularly in underserved regions.

With PatientCare, users can easily schedule consultations with doctors and healthcare specialists at any time and from anywhere, simply by using a mobile application. This convenience is particularly beneficial for individuals who may have difficulty reaching medical facilities due to distance, mobility issues, or financial constraints. By offering a platform that facilitates virtual consultations, PatientCare empowers patients to seek medical advice and treatment without the need for lengthy travel or waiting times.

PBR LIFE SCIENCES

Founder: Ayodeji Alaran

Equity Raised: $1m

Backed By: Launch Africa, Microtraction, Kaleo Ventures, Octerra Capital, Marula Square, Techstars, XA Africa, Armlabs.

PBR Life Sciences is a dynamic healthcare analytics company that leverages real-world data and advanced technology to provide insights and solutions within the life sciences sector. Founded in 2021, PBR Life Sciences focuses on addressing critical healthcare challenges, particularly in emerging markets across Africa.

The multidisciplinary team at PBR Life Sciences combines expertise in medicine, data science, pharmacy, and consulting to deliver actionable insights and advisory services. This diverse skill set allows the company to effectively transform unstructured data into meaningful information that can guide strategic decisions for its clients. With plans for significant expansion over the next few years, PBR Life Sciences aims to serve over 4,000 B2B clients across Africa, with a projected revenue potential of $25 million within four years.

PRESSONE AFRICA

Founders: Mayowa Okegbenle & Unoma Adeyemi
Equity Raised: $720k
Backed By: Ventures Platform, Voltron Capital, Techstars.
Founded in 2021 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, PressOne Africa offers a sophisticated business phone system that enables organizations to track and analyze call conversations, ultimately aiming to improve sales performance and customer satisfaction.

The core offerings of PressOne Africa include setting up comprehensive phone systems that allow businesses to monitor all calls made and received by their employees. This functionality is crucial for organizations looking to ensure effective communication and maintain high standards of customer service.

Probe Compliance

Founder: Akinola Majoyeogbe

Equity Raised: N/A

Backed By: Octerra Capital
Probe Compliance is a prominent player in the financial compliance technology sector, specializing in solutions designed to combat financial crime and enhance compliance processes. Founded in 2021 and based in Lagos, the company offers a range of tools that include sanctions and adverse media screening platforms, as well as an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) search tool equipped with API capabilities for seamless integration and efficient screening results.

One of the key features of Probe Compliance's offerings is its ability to conduct Customer Due Diligence (CDD) and Enhanced Due Diligence (EDD) through comprehensive screening services. These services encompass adverse media checks, sanctions screening, crime, and offense database checks, Politically Exposed Person (PEP) identification, and real-time transaction monitoring. By providing these capabilities, Probe Compliance helps organizations fulfill their AML/CFT (Counter Financing of Terrorism), KYC (Know Your Customer), and KYB (Know Your Business) obligations effectively.

Rulebase

Founders: Chidi Williams & Gideon Ebose

Equity Raised: $500k

Backed By: Y Combinator
Rulebase is a cutting-edge cybersecurity startup that operates within the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence, specifically addressing the growing concerns of social engineering theft and fraud associated with generative AI technologies.

Founded in 2024, Rulebase has developed a specialized voice fraud detection platform aimed at identifying malicious deepfake voices. This innovative solution is crucial for protecting businesses, particularly in the finance industry, from sophisticated fraud attempts that leverage advanced AI techniques.

REVWIT

Founders: Chinedu Ossai & Aluede Damilola Moses 

Equity Raised: $130k

Backed By: Norrsken Accelerator
Revwit specializes in providing customer relationship management (CRM) solutions specifically designed for sales teams. Founded in 2023 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, Revwit aims to address the unique challenges faced by sales professionals in managing their contacts, monitoring sales pipelines, organizing tasks, and handling emails effectively.

In addition to its CRM capabilities, Revwit offers Sales As A Service, which provides businesses with outsourced sales support tailored to their specific needs. This service allows companies to focus on their core operations while leveraging Revwit's expertise in driving revenue through effective sales strategies.

RHEA

Founders: Priscilla Wakarera & Soinato Leboo

Equity Raised: $10k

Backed By: Women in Tech Incubator
Rhea Soil Health Management is a pioneering company focused on precision agriculture technology within the AgriTech sector. Established in 2022 and based in Nairobi, Kenya, Rhea aims to enhance soil health and crop productivity, particularly for smallholder farmers who often lack access to advanced agricultural technologies.

The company specializes in providing Internet of Things (IoT) sensors that collect detailed soil nutritional data, enabling farmers to make informed decisions regarding their soil management practices. Rhea offers a comprehensive suite of services, including soil testing, chemical, and pathogen analysis, and tailored recommendations for sustainable farming practices. By utilizing these technologies, Rhea empowers farmers to optimize fertilizer use and implement effective soil remediation measures, ultimately improving their yield outputs while reducing input costs.

SCALE

Founders: Miranda Perumal & Barbara Woollams

Equity Raised: $700k

Backed By: First Circle Capital, 54Collective, Sunny Side Venture Partners
Scale is an innovative card-issuing orchestration platform that aims to transform the landscape of payment solutions for non-bank entities. Founded in 2022 and based in Africa, Scale addresses critical barriers that often hinder businesses from launching modern and efficient card programs

By providing essential tools and infrastructure, Scale empowers companies to navigate the complexities of card issuance while adhering to local nuances and regulatory requirements. The company’s platform is designed to simplify the card issuance process, enabling businesses—from fintech startups to established financial institutions—to launch their card programs swiftly and sustainably. This is particularly significant in regions where traditional banking solutions may be limited or cumbersome. Scale's approach allows clients to focus on their core business objectives while leveraging a streamlined process for card management.

Shift EV

Founders: Aly Eltayeb & Amr Helmy

Equity Raised: Undisclosed

Backed By: Wamda Capital, Union Square Ventures, Oman Technology Fund Algebra Ventures.
Founded in 2020, Shift EV is an electric mobility technology company based in Cairo, Egypt, dedicated to transforming the transportation landscape through innovative electrification solutions. Shift EV specializes in providing electric vehicles (EVs) via its proprietary electrofitting technology, which allows for the retrofitting of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles into electric ones.

This approach not only makes electric mobility more accessible but also offers a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new electric vehicles. In addition to its core services, Shift EV has formed strategic partnerships within the industry, such as a collaboration with Raya Auto for the supply of locally produced lithium-ion batteries. This partnership enhances Shift EV's capability to provide high-quality, sustainable energy solutions for its electric vehicles.

TALSTACK

Founders: Seni Sulyman & Kayode Oyewole

Equity Raised: $880k

Backed By: TL Com, Voltran Capital, Golden Palm Investments, Ventures Platform.
Talstack is a professional training and development company dedicated to upskilling employees across various sectors. Founded in 2022 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, Talstack offers a comprehensive range of courses, tools, and mentorship programs designed to enhance employee performance.

The training is delivered by top African professionals and entrepreneurs who bring practical experience from successful companies across the continent. Talstack's offerings include a variety of cross-functional courses that cover essential topics such as effective communication in the workplace, leadership development, and other critical areas relevant to modern business operations.

VEEND

Founders: Olufemi Olanipekun & Ebenezer Ajayi

Equity Raised: $510k

Backed By: Techstars, Future Africa, Berrywood Capital
Veend is focused on providing embedded finance infrastructure. Founded in 2021 and based in Lagos, Nigeria, Veend primarily serves financial institutions and merchants, facilitating local and cross-border transactions through its innovative solutions.

One of VeendHQ's key offerings is its automated lending service, which allows businesses to streamline their lending processes and connect with borrowers through various origination channels. This service is particularly beneficial for micro-lenders and banks looking to enhance their credit offerings while ensuring efficient risk management. Additionally, VeendHQ provides tools that help businesses manage payroll and expenses effectively, contributing to overall operational efficiency.

WAFR

Founders: Ismail Bargach & Ayoub Jouhadi

Equity Raised: $1.22m

Backed By: First Circle Capital, Launch Africa, Welovebuzz, UM6PVentures, Plug and Play & Center, Visa Africa Accelerator, 212 Founders.
WafR is an innovative retail technology startup based in Casablanca, Morocco, that operates a mobile application designed to enhance sales performance for retailers, particularly in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector.

Founded in 2021, WafR provides a platform that allows retailers to achieve specific sales targets, rewarding them only after they reach these goals. This performance-based model not only incentivizes retailers but also creates a dynamic environment for promoting products at the point of purchase. Recently, WafR has gained attention for its funding achievements, securing $120,000 in a new financing round to expand its network of partner grocers. The additional funding will enable WafR to reach its goal of onboarding 50,000 active partner grocers within six months, reflecting the ambition and growth potential of the startup.

WATTNOW

Founder: Issam Smaali

Equity Raised: $1.47m

Backed By: E3 Capital, Lateral Frontiers VC, Tunisian American Enterprise Fund, Founder Institute, 216 Capital Ventures, Satgana, Octerra Capital
Wattnow, a Tunis-based IoT company founded in 2018, provides smart energy management solutions. Using advanced sensors and an intuitive dashboard, Wattnow collects and analyzes energy data, helping businesses optimize consumption.

Its platform offers real-time monitoring, detects anomalies, identifies waste, and uses advanced algorithms to reduce costs and carbon footprints. Wattnow serves industries like automotive, telecom, banking, oil and gas, construction, and retail.

YABX

Founder: Rajat Dayal 

Equity Raised: N/A

Backed By: Comviva
Yabx is an innovative embedded lending platform designed to facilitate seamless lending for balance sheet providers targeting micro and retail clients. Recognizing the challenges that traditional banks face in managing vast numbers of small retail customers—often with loan amounts as low as $5—Yabx offers a solution that simplifies this process.

The complexity of servicing millions of small accounts can be overwhelming for banks, making it difficult for them to effectively cater to this segment. To address this issue, Yabx employs alternative data for credit scoring, enabling them to assess the creditworthiness of potential borrowers who may not have conventional credit histories. This approach allows Yabx to provide financial services to underserved populations by embedding their lending solutions within telecommunications wallets, thus leveraging existing mobile infrastructures.

ZONE

Founders: Obi Emetarom & Wale Onawunmi

Equity Raised: $8.5m

Backed By: Verod-Kepple, TLcom, Flourish, Greenhouse, Endeavour Catalyst, Alter Global, Timon Capital, Digital Currency Group,
Zone, a Lagos-based blockchain network founded in 2022, enhances payment infrastructure for banks and fintechs. Its layer-1 blockchain platform enables seamless transactions with both fiat and digital currencies, focusing on frictionless operations and interoperability.

Notably, Zone secured a switching and processing license from the Central Bank of Nigeria, becoming Africa’s first regulated blockchain network for payments. This milestone positions Zone as a leader in integrating blockchain into financial services, streamlining local and cross-border transactions through digital channels.

Our data is meticulously sourced from reputable public platforms, including Crunchbase, CB Insights, F6s, PitchBook, etc which are recognized for their comprehensive databases of venture capital and startup information. Additionally, we augment our data collection through partnerships with various media outlets and venture capital partners, ensuring a diverse and robust dataset.

If you have any inquiries or concerns about our data-sourcing methods or the information provided, please do not hesitate to email us at insights@sparkafrica.co.