Sub-Saharan Africa’s Startup Ecosystems Gain Global Visibility

The Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 (GSER 2025) highlights the growing momentum of Sub-Saharan Africa’s startup ecosystems, which are increasingly shaping the region’s role in the global innovation economy. Leading hubs such as Cape Town, Nairobi, and Lagos are showcasing impressive advances in early-stage funding, sector specialization, and cross-border investment flows, while newer entrants are beginning to emerge across the continent.

With strengths in fintech, healthtech, and climate innovation, Sub-Saharan African ecosystems are proving their capacity to scale solutions that meet both local needs and global challenges. As talent pipelines expand and international investors take greater notice, the region is building a foundation for sustained growth and long-term impact on the global startup map.

• The top five ranking sub-Saharan Africa ecosystems are Lagos, Nairobi, Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Accra.
• Lagos is the top-performing sub-Saharan Africa ecosystem, placing in the 61-70 range in the Top 100 Emerging Ecosystems ranking. 
• Cape Town is the #1 sub-Saharan Africa Ecosystem in Talent & Experience.
• Lagos is the #1 Sub-Saharan Africa Ecosystem in Funding, measuring innovation through early-stage funding and investor activity. It is the #2 sub-Saharan Africa Ecosystem in Performance and Talent & Experience.
• Johannesburg maintained its position as the #1 sub-Saharan Africa Ecosystem in Knowledge, measuring innovation through research and patent activity.