Only 26 African startups raised $174 million in January. Here’s what it signals
- African startups raised $174 million in January 2026, trailing last year’s tally by $102 million.
- Only 26 startups raised above $100,000, marking the lowest January tally since at least 2020.
- Over a third of January's funding went to Egypt’s valU, which raised $63 million in debt.
The current trend towards conservative funding strategies in African startups raises concerns about the long-term health of the ecosystem. While it may be a rational response to economic pressures, it risks stifling innovation and the growth of new ventures that could drive significant change and development in the region.
