Angel investment networks play a pivotal role in fostering entrepreneurship and economic development across Central Africa. These networks connect early-stage companies with individual investors, providing not only financial backing but also mentorship and expertise. In a region where access to traditional funding sources can be challenging, angel investors bridge the gap, supporting innovative ventures that have the potential to drive growth in key sectors like technology, agriculture, health, and clean energy. From Cameroon to the Democratic Republic of Congo, these angel networks are crucial in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape and empowering local talent to thrive.

237 Business Angels - Cameroon

237 Business Angels is a prominent network of individual investors in Cameroon, focused primarily on supporting early-stage companies with high growth potential. Established in 2016, the group consists of a diverse range of professionals, including bankers, insurers, engineers, and lawyers, who bring both capital and expertise to startups. Their investments, ranging from 5 to 50 million FCFA, target various sectors such as agriculture, clean energy, ICT, and health. Beyond financial support, 237 Business Angels offers mentorship, leveraging their experience and personal networks to help businesses navigate their crucial early stages of development.

Abakwa Angel Investors Network - Cameroon

The Abakwa Angel Investors Network (AAIN) is dedicated to fostering the growth of early-stage companies in the Abakwa region of Cameroon by providing investment, mentorship, and access to valuable business networks. AAIN supports businesses with the potential to become industry leaders, aiming to contribute to developing both local capital markets and the broader private sector. Through quarterly pitch sessions, entrepreneurs can present their ideas to investors, while AAIN Masterclasses offer members ongoing training to enhance their knowledge and capabilities in angel investing.

Cameroon Angels Network - Cameroon

The Cameroon Angels Network (CAN) is the first angel investment group in Cameroon, established in 2016 to promote innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly in the country's digital and tech sectors. CAN's mission is to back early-stage tech ventures, fostering a thriving digital economy through strategic partnerships, competitions, and support for startup founders. The network is led by a dynamic team, focusing on expanding the pool of angel investors, including female investors. Through its efforts, CAN aims to position Cameroon as one of the top startup ecosystems in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Congo Business Angels - Congo

Congo Business Angels (CBA), led by Bas Zuidberg and based in Kinshasa, is the first business angel network in the Democratic Republic of Congo, providing seed investment and mentorship to promising Congolese startups. The network consists of individuals who invest their own funds and bring valuable resources, experience, and connections to help young businesses grow.

DRC Impact Angels - Congo

DRC Impact Angels is an investment club dedicated to fostering the growth of startups and SMEs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. By providing both financial backing and business support, the network helps innovative ventures mature into sustainable and efficient companies. DRC Impact Angels offers technical expertise and practical guidance to entrepreneurs, aiming to accelerate the development of the private sector and drive economic growth in the region.

Gabon Angel Investor Network - Gabon

The Gabon Angel Investor Network (GAIN) was established by a group of local investors to promote angel investing in Gabon and support the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Focused on addressing the funding gap for startups and small businesses (TPME), GAIN aims to accelerate economic development across various sectors. Its members, who are professionals passionate about entrepreneurship, provide more than just financial backing; they offer hands-on support to help guide entrepreneurs on their journey. Founded by Fabrice Nze Bekale, GAIN plays a key role in fostering innovation and business growth in Gabon.

Mountain Angel Network - Cameroon

Mountain Angel Network, based in Buea, Cameroon, is focused on providing early-stage capital and entrepreneurial support to young innovators across Africa. With a mission to invest in scalable ideas that drive community and economic growth, the network aims to harness Africa's untapped potential in technology and business. Founded by Ayuk Etta, Mountain Angel Network not only offers financial backing but also dedicates time and mentorship to help transform ideas into thriving enterprises, fostering job creation and contributing to poverty reduction in the region.

Women Investors and Business Angels - Congo

WIBA (Women Investors & Business Angels) is a co-investment network focused on supporting the growth of Congolese SMEs. With 60% women investors, WIBA offers opportunities to invest in Congolese businesses through equity or debt financing. Entrepreneurs gain access to crucial funding, while investors can support the real economy by becoming shareholders or lending funds to businesses in need. Led by Mamisa Nzigire Poindron, WIBA is dedicated to fostering sustainable economic growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), particularly by empowering female investors and entrepreneurs.

The emergence of angel investment networks across Central Africa underscores the region's growing entrepreneurial spirit and the need for innovative funding solutions. These networks are not only creating opportunities for startups to access capital but are also building stronger ecosystems that nurture innovation and economic resilience. As more investors engage with local businesses, the potential for sustainable growth and impact becomes even more significant. By empowering entrepreneurs and providing strategic support, Central Africa's angel networks are helping to drive the next wave of growth across the continent.