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.
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
Earned wage access, explained: The on-demand economy meets fintech & HR tech
EWA, a new frontier of fintech at the intersection of payroll and the on-demand economy, is spreading across the West and emerging markets in Asia & Africa. Here's a primer.
November 2022
Why fintech in Africa is attractive to investors & innovators
Here are three reasons why fintech leads all venture capital funding on the continent.
September 2022
Offline agent networks are driving Africa’s digital development
Agent networks across Africa are increasingly being used beyond mobile money as a last-mile channel for various traditionally digital businesses.
August 2021