In Eastern Africa, the entrepreneurial spirit is vibrant, driven by a growing number of innovative startups eager to tackle regional challenges. The support for these emerging businesses often comes from angel networks, which play a crucial role in nurturing early-stage ventures. These networks provide financial backing, invaluable mentorship, and strategic guidance. As the startup ecosystem evolves, the presence of active angel networks becomes increasingly vital for fostering innovation and growth. This article highlights some of the most influential angel investor networks across Eastern Africa, showcasing their contributions and impact on the region's entrepreneurial landscape.

Addis Ababa Angels - Ethiopia

The Addis Ababa Angels Network is a collective of individual investors committed to boosting Ethiopia's economic development by supporting early-stage technology and tech-enabled startups. They provide equity investment, mentorship, and expert guidance to help innovative businesses grow. By combining financial resources and experience, the network aims to drive growth and impact within Ethiopia's startup ecosystem.

Angel Investors of Mauritius - Mauritius

The Angel Investors of Mauritius (AIM) is a not-for-profit organization consisting of high-net-worth individuals dedicated to supporting high-growth startups and newly incorporated companies in Mauritius and the Indian Ocean Region. AIM facilitates early-stage equity investment by providing a collaborative platform where investors, who are seasoned business leaders and entrepreneurs, can mentor and support emerging businesses. Although AIM itself does not invest directly, its members individually select and invest in startups, offering both financial backing and invaluable expertise to help companies scale and succeed.

Business Angels Rwanda - Rwanda

Business Angels Rwanda is a network of founders, tech enthusiasts, and investment experts dedicated to nurturing and funding technology-enabled businesses led by Rwandan founders. Founded in 2021, this sector-agnostic group focuses on providing seed and expansion capital to startups with significant growth potential. While the network is open to various industries, its primary criterion is that companies must have Rwandan or African entrepreneurs addressing substantial problems. Through a blend of financial support and strategic guidance, Business Angels Rwanda aims to drive regional innovation and growth.

Kampala Angel Investment Network - Uganda

The Kampala Angel Investment Network (KAIN) unites innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors to transform ideas into impactful businesses. Based in Kampala, Uganda, KAIN provides a platform for high-potential startups to secure funding and mentorship from seasoned investors. Emphasizing human connection and innovation, KAIN supports a diverse range of sectors, guiding startups through expert advice and investment opportunities. By focusing on both local and international investors, KAIN aims to drive significant progress and impact in Uganda’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Lokal Capital - Kenya

Lokal Capital is a community-based venture capital platform in Kenya that offers angel investors access to promising African startups with investments starting from $3,000. It aims to democratize venture capital by providing curated investment opportunities, simplifying the investment process, and fostering networking and learning for investors. For startups, Lokal Capital offers fundraising support, brand visibility, and access to local investors to drive growth.

Malawi Angel Investor Network - Malawi

The Malawi Angel Investor Network (MAIN) is the first angel network in Malawi, dedicated to fostering innovation and economic development by connecting visionary entrepreneurs with strategic investors. MAIN focuses on facilitating investment opportunities for small-growing businesses, expanding networks through transformative partnerships, and advocating for the benefits of angel investing to drive sustainable business growth within the Malawian ecosystem.

Malawi Investment Angels - Malawi

Malawi Investment Angels, established in 2023, is Malawi's pioneering angel investor network aimed at transforming the country's economic landscape. As the first group of its kind in Malawi, it connects local entrepreneurs with investors to overcome funding challenges and drive economic growth. By offering comprehensive support, including mentorship and tailored investment opportunities, Malawi Investment Angels bridges the gap between promising ventures and capital, fostering innovation, reducing unemployment, and enhancing national prosperity.

Mo Angels - Mauritius

Mo Angels is Mauritius' first syndicated angel investor network, founded in 2021 to address the critical funding gap for innovative startups in Mauritius and Africa. Emerging from discussions at the African Angel Academy, Mo Angels aims to foster a thriving investment environment by uniting business angels and early-stage startups. As a non-profit organization, Mo Angels pools resources, expertise, and networks to support and drive sustainable growth in the African startup ecosystem, making a significant impact on local and regional innovation.

NAIROBI BUSINESS ANGEL NETWORK - Kenya

The Nairobi Business Angel Network (NaiBAN) is a dynamic group of over 100 business angels dedicated to supporting startups in Kenya during their pre-seed and seed stages. Based in Nairobi, NaiBAN offers more than just capital; they provide invaluable advice, strategic connections, and active mentorship to help founders succeed. Comprising experienced entrepreneurs themselves, NaiBAN understands the challenges of startup growth and is committed to opening doors and guiding startups toward sustainable success.

Serengeti Business Angel Network - Tanzania

Founded in 2021, the Serengeti Business Angel Network (S-BAN) is Tanzania's most active angel network, composed of local and international investors focused on high-impact ventures across East and Central Africa. With a mission to accelerate early-stage startups through strategic investments, mentorship, and valuable connections, S-BAN has made six investments to date, supporting startups in regions like Zanzibar, Arusha, and Mwanza. By fostering growth and helping entrepreneurs achieve product-market fit, S-BAN is pivotal in advancing innovative, socially impactful businesses in the region.

Sudan Angels - Sudan

Sudan Angels is Sudan’s first angel investor network, connecting entrepreneurs with early-stage investors to support the country's startup ecosystem. Backed by 249Startups, the network provides funding, mentoring, and curated deal flow for high-potential startups. Sudan Angels focuses on impact-driven investments, helping innovative businesses grow and expand through a streamlined investment process.

Uganda Business Angel Network - Uganda

The Uganda Business Angel Network (UBAN), founded in 2023, supports high-growth tech startups in Uganda by providing capital, mentorship, and strategic guidance. Focused on sectors like FinTech and SaaS, UBAN invests through equity or SAFEs, aiming to help startups build traction and raise funds internationally. With an annual investment target of over $400k, the network brings together tech-focused individuals to co-invest and support promising Ugandan ventures, positioning the country as a growing startup hub.

Viktoria Business Angels Network - Kenya

The Viktoria Business Angels Network (VBAN), launched in Nairobi in 2017, connects investors with high-quality, investor-ready startups in East Africa. With over 40 members and investments in 10 local startups, VBAN facilitates capital syndication, investor education, and deal sourcing, providing a streamlined process for early-stage investments. Managed by Viktoria Ventures, a firm with over 15 years of entrepreneurial finance experience, VBAN offers local and international investors opportunities to support and grow East Africa's dynamic startup ecosystem.

Zambia Business Angel Network - Zambia

The Zambia Business Angel Network (ZBAN) is the country's first angel investor network, supporting early-stage enterprises with capital, mentorship, and connections. A member-led group, ZBAN has funded 12 startups, created over 80 jobs, and disbursed more than $200,000 in investments. With a focus on impact investment, ZBAN aims to drive sustainable growth for SMEs in Zambia's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Eastern Africa's angel investor networks are instrumental in shaping the future of the region's startup ecosystem. By providing essential funding, mentorship, and strategic connections, these networks help transform ambitious ideas into successful enterprises. Each network, from Addis Ababa Angels to Malawi Investment Angels, brings unique strengths and focuses, collectively driving innovation and economic development across the region. As these networks continue to grow and evolve, their role in empowering entrepreneurs and fueling regional progress will undoubtedly become even more significant. The support and resources they offer are crucial in turning challenges into opportunities, thereby advancing the entrepreneurial landscape of Eastern Africa.