Sectoral and geographical dynamics have undergone profound reorganization and have significantly impacted the entire continent over the first nine months of this year. According to recent data published by the analysis platform Africa: The Big Deal, the logistics and transport sector has snatched the top spot from Fintech.
With 780 million USD captured between January and September 2026, logistics accounts for 36 % of the total resources invested in startups. Fintech follows very closely with 760 million USD raised, representing 35 % of the amounts.
The surge in logistics is primarily driven by two major players. Spiro and Moove alone concentrate 595 million USD.
Conversely, the energy sector is experiencing a sharp decline. Its funding rounds have fallen to 187 million USD compared to 721 million a year earlier.
Healthcare is also experiencing a significant downturn with only 21 million USD raised. Nigeria dominates once again.
Geographically, Nigeria has regained its position as the continental leader for the first time in four years. Nigerian startups raised 635 million USD during the period.
This amount represents more than double the sums accumulated last year. Four major names such as Moove, Flutterwave, Jumia, and Yellow Card are largely benefiting from this dynamic.
For its part, Egypt maintains steady growth with 445 million USD. In contrast, Kenya and South Africa are recording a marked decline in their performance.
Beyond these four main markets, other nations are emerging. Tanzania, in particular, has accumulated 53 million USD, and Côte d'Ivoire has raised 48 million USD.
Gender disparities. The distribution of funds by gender reveals persistent, marked disparities.
Companies led by a woman have certainly raised 115 million USD. This envelope represents 5,4 % of the total compared to 2,7 % the previous year.
However, this progress relies almost exclusively on a single transaction of 74 million USD carried out by Odyssey Energy Solutions. Without this transaction, the actual share remains stagnant at around 2 %.
The number of structures led by women that have obtained more than 100 000 USD has fallen to 46 units. Exclusively female founding teams capture less than 1 % of total funding.
Furthermore, the median size of tickets granted to mixed teams is capped at 240 000 USD, compared to 750 000 USD for their male counterparts. The last quarter.
The outcome of the year depends on the performance of the last three months. To surpass the global balance of the previous fiscal year, set at 3,2 billion USD, the ecosystem must raise an additional billion dollars.
This goal remains ambitious but achievable. Regarding equity contributions alone, an amount of 466 million USD is sufficient to exceed the previous level.
Barring any unforeseen changes, the year 2026 could post the strongest equity balance observed in recent years. Anselme Akéko.
Published on 20/10/26 13:49. The Editorial Staff