The entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southern Africa has seen a significant rise in the number of angel investment networks in recent years. These networks play a crucial role in supporting early-stage startups and small businesses by providing not only financial capital but also valuable mentorship, expertise, and connections. This article provides an overview of some of the prominent angel investment networks operating in the region, highlighting their unique missions, approaches, and the impact they aim to have on the entrepreneurial landscape.

Angel Network Botswana

Angel Network Botswana (ANB) is a network of business angels who invest personal funds into promising Botswana-based startups and growth-oriented businesses. Beyond capital, ANB provides its investees with access to valuable networks, mentorship, and learning programs to help build a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. The angel investors are driven by a commitment to making a positive impact on Botswana's business environment, supporting local entrepreneurs through funding, guidance, and connections. ANB's goal is to generate risk-adjusted positive returns while fostering an environment of innovation, motivation, and collaboration.

Dazzle Angels

Dazzle Angels is a female-focused angel investment fund led and funded by experienced businesswomen. Their mission is to generate inclusive funding for early-stage, women-led, and women-empowering businesses in South Africa and across Africa. Dazzle Angels' angels not only invest their money, but also their time, skills, and networks to help their "Zebra" portfolio companies - profitable and socially-impactful businesses founded or co-founded by at least one woman. By supporting this dazzle of Zebras, Dazzle Angels aims to close the gender and diversity gap in entrepreneurship and venture funding.

Jozi Angels

Jozi Angels is an angel investment network that formally launched in 2017 after initially operating informally since 2016. The network facilitates equity investments into scalable startups across South Africa's innovation economy, both in tech and non-tech sectors. By pooling resources and expertise, Jozi Angels can make larger investments, diversify risk, and source and screen deals more effectively. Beyond capital, the network provides valuable mentorship and connections to its portfolio companies, while members benefit from the camaraderie and shared goals.

Namibia Business Angels Network

The Namibia Business Angel Network (NABAN) is a non-profit organization comprising individuals from diverse professional backgrounds who believe in the power of entrepreneurship to drive economic growth. NABAN's mission is to invest in and build startups that positively impact the future of Namibia. As a network, NABAN leverages its team of experts with vast industry knowledge and experience to support the country's startup ecosystem. To date, NABAN has engaged with over 200 startups and 19 angel investors, and hosted 27 pitch events, demonstrating its commitment to attracting investment and growing Namibia's entrepreneurial landscape.

The angel investment networks highlighted in this article are playing a vital role in fostering entrepreneurship and supporting the growth of early-stage startups and small businesses in Southern Africa. By providing not only financial capital but also valuable mentorship, expertise, and connections, these networks are helping to bridge the funding gap and create a more inclusive and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region. As the demand for angel investment continues to grow, the contributions of these networks will be essential in driving economic development, job creation, and social impact across Southern Africa.