As the African startup ecosystem continues to thrive, APAC investors have increasingly recognized the continent's vast potential, leading to a surge in investments. These investors, ranging from venture capital firms to corporate venture arms, are playing a significant role in shaping the future of African innovation. From tech-driven enterprises to impactful health and finance solutions, the contributions of these investors are pivotal in nurturing the growth of promising African startups. This article highlights some of the most active APAC investors in African startups, detailing their leadership, investment activities, and notable portfolio companies.

Alibaba Foundation

• 🏦 HQ: China

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: PraxiLabs, Wella Health, Releaf

Antler

• 🏦 HQ: Singapore

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Marie Nielsen, Melalite Ayenew

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Sukhiba, AIFluence, Cooked

Asia Africa Investment and Consulting

• 🏦 HQ: Singapore

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Shohei Namba, Shigeru Handa, Hiroki Ishida

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Helium Health, Kobo360, Sendy

EMURGO

• 🏦 HQ: Singapore

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Ken Kodama

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Ejara, Credable, Amini

Kepple Africa Ventures

• 🏦 HQ: Japan

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Takahiro Kanzaki, Satoshi Shinada, Ryosuke Yamawaki

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 100-150

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Carry1st, Moove, Chari

Mobility 54

• 🏦 HQ: Japan

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Takeshi Watanabe, Daiki Sato, Marika Shimizu, Agnes Kanyi

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Sendy, AutoCheck, Tugende

MSA Capital

• 🏦 HQ: China

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Jenny Zeng

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: TradeDepot, Swvl, Capiter

Samurai Incubate

• 🏦 HQ: Japan

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Rena Yoneyama

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Oneport 365, The Food Lab, Kwara

SBI Investment

• 🏦 HQ: Japan

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 1-10

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Kuda, Apollo Agriculture, Mono

Ten13

• 🏦 HQ: Australia

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Steve Baxter, Stew Glynn, An Vo

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 1-10

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: ChipperCash, Imali Pay

Tencent

• 🏦 HQ: China

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: TymeBank, Ozow, Reliance Health

Uncovered Fund

• 🏦 HQ: Tokyo, Japan

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Takuma Terakubo, Papama Nyati

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

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

The engagement of Asian investors in Africa is not just a trend but a testament to the continent's rising prominence in the global startup ecosystem. These investors bring capital, valuable expertise, and networks that help African startups scale and succeed. As these relationships continue to strengthen, we expect to see even more groundbreaking innovations emerging from Africa, supported by strategic investments and partnerships with these key Asian players. The ongoing collaboration between Asian investors and African startups will undoubtedly fuel further growth and transformation across various sectors in Africa.