In recent years, the African startup ecosystem has experienced unprecedented growth, attracting attention and investment from around the globe. European investors, in particular, have emerged as key players in nurturing and supporting innovative African ventures. This article explores some of the most active European investors who are making significant contributions to the continent's entrepreneurial landscape. From development finance institutions to venture capital firms and accelerators, these investors are not only providing crucial funding but also offering valuable expertise and networks to help African startups scale and succeed.

DEG (Germany)

• 🏦 HQ: Kämmergasse, Köln, Germany

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 50-100

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Lulalend, Naked

Norrsken (Accelerator)

• 🏦 HQ: Stockholm, Sweden

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: WeFarm, Kapu, FloatPays

Goodwell Investments

• 🏦 HQ: Amsterdam, Netherlands

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: MFS Africa, Copia Global, Omnibiz

EDFI ElectriFi

• 🏦 HQ: Brussels, Belgium

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: PowerGen, Sistema.bio, Solarise Africa

GSMA Innovation Fund

• 🏦 HQ: Angel Lane, London, UK

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Koolboks, Africa118, Ensibuuko

Seedstars

• 🏦 HQ: Carouge, Geneva, Switzerland

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Poa Internet, Lipa Later, Bizao

British International Investment (ex CDC)

• 🏦 HQ: Victoria Street, London, UK

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: M-Kopa, Sun King (Greenlight Planet), TradeDepot

FMO

• 🏦 HQ: Netherlands

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: M-Kopa, Zola Electric, CashPlus

DOB Equity

• 🏦 HQ: IJsseldijk, Veessen, Netherlands

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Twiga Foods, Victory Farms, PowerGen

Proparco

• 🏦 HQ: Paris, France

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Nuru, Daystar Power, Max

Partech Africa

• 🏦 HQ: Paris, Île-de-France, France

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Wave Mobile Money, TradeDepot, Yoco

Katapult

• 🏦 HQ: Oslo, Norway

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Aquarech, Wattnow, Sand To Green

Orange Digital Ventures

• 🏦 HQ: Paris, France

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 💰️ AUM: €350 million

• 💵 Ticket Size: 0 - €20 million

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Yoco, Chari, Julaya

HoaQ

• 🏦 HQ: London, UK

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: PayDay, Spleet, Chowdeck

Saviu Ventures

• 🏦 HQ: Paris, France

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Anka, Julaya, UserGuest

Global Founders Capital

• 🏦 HQ: Berlin, Germany

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: LemFi, Dash, Jumia

The diverse range of European investors actively supporting Africa's startup ecosystem highlights the continent's entrepreneurial potential. These investors provide not just funding, but also valuable expertise and networks. As Africa's startup scene evolves, the continued involvement of European investors will likely play a crucial role in its growth, fostering innovation and economic development across the continent. This partnership promises to create mutual benefits, driving Africa's digital transformation while offering European investors unique opportunities in one of the world's most dynamic markets.