Spotlight: Analysis
Deep dives into the companies, deals, and markets shaping Africa’s economy. We go beyond the headlines to examine how businesses actually work, what drives industry trends, and why certain strategies succeed or fail. Data-driven investigations that help you understand the mechanics behind Africa’s most important business stories.
Clever credit: How African startups are using data & distribution to de-risk lending
Africa-focused innovators can learn from the examples of three Nigerian companies that leverage unique data and distribution strategies to lend intelligently.
March 2023
The untold story of Africa’s newest unicorn, MNT-Halan
Studying the origins and evolution of Egypt’s MNT-Halan reveals important lessons for builders in Africa and beyond.
February 2023
The complete list of African unicorns today
Africa's unicorn list is small but growing. Here's an overview of the nine unicorns in the African tech ecosystem today. (Updated: September 2025.)
February 2023
27 founders that raised over $1 million in Francophone Africa in 2022
While conventional startup & VC wisdom across Africa and elsewhere is to chase huge markets above all else, the reality is that focusing on dominating ‘niche’ markets is a savvy way to avoid competition and achieve efficient growth, not just...
February 2023
Diamonds in the diaspora: How startups are building for African communities worldwide
Africa-focused innovators should explore embracing the global African diaspora as a business strategy, and here are five startups doing just that.
January 2023