The African entrepreneurial landscape is rapidly evolving, driven by a surge of innovative startups and a growing pool of angel investors. Across the continent, angel networks are emerging as pivotal players in supporting early-stage businesses, providing not only capital but also mentorship, resources, and strategic connections. This article highlights various angel networks operating in different African countries, showcasing their missions, investment focuses, and the unique contributions they make to fostering entrepreneurship. From empowering women investors in Nigeria to supporting local businesses in Togo, these networks are crucial in nurturing the next generation of African innovators.

Accra Angels Network - Ghana

Accra Angels Network is a platform that enables mid-to-high net-worth individuals and institutions to invest in early-stage businesses based in Ghana, particularly those with high growth potential and a strong social and economic impact. Beyond providing finance, the network connects promising ventures with critical resources, including mentoring and strategic networks, to foster sustained growth and profitability. Through collaboration with enterprise support organizations, Accra Angels ensures a steady pipeline of investment-ready businesses, creating opportunities for its members to evaluate and invest in high-quality deals.

AfricAngels - Senegal

AfricAngels is the first African business angel network dedicated to connecting African entrepreneurs and Africa-related businesses with a network of investors. Focused on more than just fundraising, AfricAngels offers strategic and business development support to help entrepreneurs grow their ventures. The network brings together business angels seeking unique investment opportunities across high-growth startups, providing them with access to curated deals and guidance on investment strategies. By facilitating connections with key networks and offering strategic support, AfricAngels plays a pivotal role in driving entrepreneurial success across the continent.

Afropreneur Angel Group - Nigeria

Afropreneur Angel Group is a Nigerian-based network that offers funding and support to emerging businesses across Africa. The group is focused on empowering entrepreneurs by providing both financial backing and strategic assistance to help scale their ventures. One of its notable investments includes participation in the $3.65 million seed funding round for Termii, demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovative startups in the region. Afropreneur Angels connects ambitious businesses with the resources and guidance needed to drive growth and long-term success.

Associação Business Angels de Cabo Verde - Cape Verde

The Business Angels Association of Cabo Verde (ABAC) is a non-profit organization established in 2010 to promote a network of business angels supporting entrepreneurship in Cape Verde. ABAC raises awareness through conferences, forums, and media outreach, facilitating connections between investors and entrepreneurs. The association advocates for public policies that enhance innovation and participates in national and international exchanges to amplify its impact. With a vision to be a leading reference for business angels locally and globally, ABAC aims to accelerate the growth of innovative ideas and businesses in Cape Verde.

Benin Business Angels Network - Benin

Founded in April 2019, the Benin Business Angels Network (BBAN) promotes innovative entrepreneurship in Benin by connecting local entrepreneurs, diaspora members, investors, and professionals. The network provides seed capital to promising startups to accelerate their growth and offers mentorship from experienced business angels to enhance management practices. BBAN also facilitates access to a vast relational network, essential for expanding business opportunities. Startups can seek funding between 5 to 50 million FCFA, while investors are encouraged to contribute both capital and guidance to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Benin.

CIBAN - Ivory Coast

CIBAN (Côte d'Ivoire Business Angel Network) is an angel network based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, dedicated to transforming the country into a leading investment destination for women, early-stage, and tech entrepreneurs. Actively seeking new investments, CIBAN connects aspiring businesses with funding opportunities while encouraging applications from female entrepreneurs. The network's latest investment was made in December 2023 in Twende, a company in the automotive sector. By facilitating access to capital and resources, CIBAN aims to support sustainable business growth and enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Côte d'Ivoire.

Dakar Network Angels - Senegal

The Dakar Network Angels (DNA) is an angel investor network based in Dakar, Senegal, focused on early-stage companies across the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) region and neighboring countries. Comprising successful professionals and industry experts from around the globe, DNA provides not only capital but also mentorship and strategic support to innovative startups. The network actively seeks technology-enabled businesses that address significant challenges in Africa, aiming for scalable solutions with the potential for hyper-growth. By fostering a robust deal flow and leveraging their diverse expertise, DNA is committed to building the future of entrepreneurship in Africa.

Faso Jawdi-Business Angel Club (FJ-BAC) - Burkina Faso

Faso Jawdi-Business Angel Club (FJ-BAC) is a Burkina Faso-based angel investor network focused on fostering growth in innovative companies across sectors like agriculture and industry. Its mission is to enhance angel investing by attracting investors who contribute not just capital, but also expertise and networks. FJ-BAC selects promising startups with at least three years of operation and significant growth potential, aiming to create impactful collaborations that benefit both investors and the African entrepreneurial landscape.

Gambia Angel Investors Network (GAIN) - Gambia

The Gambia Angel Investors Network (GAIN) is a nonprofit organization focused on developing an investment community to support early-stage companies in The Gambia. By organizing business angels to invest in local startups, GAIN not only provides essential capital but also offers mentorship and guidance. Led by a dedicated team of experienced professionals, GAIN aims to cultivate future industry champions and drive innovation and economic growth in the region. Its mission is to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem, fostering connections between investors and promising businesses.

Ghana Angel Investor Network - Ghana

The Ghana Angel Investor Network (GAIN) is a leading organization established in 2011, now managed by Impact Investing Ghana. It connects top angel investors with small and growing businesses, facilitating funding through a structured review process. Members participate in quarterly networking events to explore new investment opportunities, while the secretariat ensures due diligence on screened companies, promoting a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in Ghana.

Guinean Angel Investors Network - Guinea

Guinean Angel Investors Network (GAIN) is a non-profit group connecting business angels with startups and SMEs in Guinea. It offers seed funding and mentorship, focusing on sectors like e-commerce, agriculture, health, and technology. GAIN typically invests between $3K and $500K, with syndication available for larger investments. The network aims to support early-stage businesses with both capital and expertise.

Ivoire Angels - Ivory Coast

Ivoire Angels is a non-profit angel investment network based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, founded in 2017. The network connects angel investors with promising Ivorian startups in the bootstrapping and early-stage phases. Typical investments range from 5 to 250 million CFA francs, with each member making independent decisions. Led by Jean-Marc Larouche, Ivoire Angels also provides access to a network of expert partners, training resources, and mentorship for both local and international members, while fostering a strong ecosystem for startups.

Kairos Angels - Nigeria

Kairos Angels, based in Nigeria, is an angel investment club focused on partnering with visionary entrepreneurs who aim to create scalable and sustainable businesses. The network seeks to back founders driven by a mission to change the world, providing not only capital but also deep involvement in their partner companies. With a philosophy centered on supporting innovative and transformative ideas, Kairos Angels is committed to working alongside entrepreneurs in their journey to create impactful, lasting change.

Lagos Angels Network - Nigeria

Lagos Angel Network (LAN), founded in 2011 by Tomi Davies and Dr. Adedotun Sulaiman, is an exclusive network of angel investors dedicated to supporting Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. The network focuses on educating investors, facilitating early-stage investments, and advocating for favorable policies. LAN has played a crucial role in the growth of the Nigerian startup landscape, contributing to key milestones like the listing of Nigerian startups on the NYSE and successful exits. Now chaired by Kola Aina, LAN continues its mission to empower startups and investors under the leadership of Executive Director Victor Kareem.

Mali ANGELS - Mali

Mali Angels, part of the broader West African Business Network (REAO), is a non-profit organization established in 2001 to support private sector growth in Mali. Affiliated with REAO's regional network, which includes 13 countries across Francophone and Anglophone West Africa, Mali Angels brings together local entrepreneurs and investors. The network focuses on fostering a strong business environment and promoting investment opportunities, helping entrepreneurs scale their businesses across various sectors in the region.

Rising Tide Africa (RTA) - Nigeria

Rising Tide Africa (RTA) empowers women to become angel investors, focusing on early-stage startups, particularly those with female-led or gender-diverse teams. By providing investment, mentorship, and training, RTA helps women build diversified portfolios and gain valuable insights from experienced investors. The organization enhances access to capital and fosters business development, driving meaningful change in the African entrepreneurial landscape.

South South-East Angels Network (SSEAN) - Nigeria

The South South-East Angels Network (SSEAN) serves as a platform for experienced professionals and entrepreneurs to mentor, support, and invest in startups in Nigeria's South-South and South-East regions. Members gain early access to innovative businesses poised for success, potentially reaping significant returns while contributing to regional development. SSEAN emphasizes integrity by ensuring its members are professionally credible and financially secure, understanding that angel investing involves risks and is not a quick-return scheme.

Togo Business Angels Network - Togo

The Togo Business Angels Network (TogoBAN) is the first angel network in Togo, dedicated to fostering local entrepreneurship. Launched on International Women’s Day, TogoBAN aims to provide not only funding but also training and mentorship for entrepreneurs. While still in its early stages, the network is focused on discussing its mission, investment guidelines, and membership requirements. By supporting startups and SMEs, TogoBAN seeks to mitigate risks that traditional banks often avoid, emphasizing a commitment to invest in both projects and the entrepreneurs behind them.

Women Investment Club Senegal - Senegal

The Women's Investment Club (WiC) is a pioneering association in Senegal, established in 2016, aimed at creating a more inclusive financial landscape for female entrepreneurs. By facilitating access to funding and promoting investment literacy, WiC empowers women to become active participants in the economic sphere. The club manages personal savings and has launched the WIC Capital fund, which targets high-potential startups and SMEs led by women in Senegal and Côte d'Ivoire. Additionally, the WiC Academy, created in 2021, offers technical assistance, coaching, and networking opportunities to support women entrepreneurs in their business endeavors.

As African startups continue to flourish, the role of angel networks becomes increasingly vital. By bridging the gap between aspiring entrepreneurs and potential investors, these networks are instrumental in enhancing the entrepreneurial ecosystem across the continent. Through their commitment to mentorship, funding, and strategic support, they not only drive economic growth but also contribute to social impact. The ongoing collaboration among these networks and their dedication to nurturing innovative ideas signal a promising future for entrepreneurship in Africa, paving the way for transformative change and sustainable development.