The startup ecosystem in Africa is experiencing unprecedented growth, attracting attention from investors worldwide. In recent years, a notable trend has emerged: the increasing involvement of Middle Eastern venture capital firms in funding African startups. This article explores 20 of the most active Middle Eastern investors playing a crucial role in shaping Africa's entrepreneurial landscape. From Dubai to Riyadh, these firms are bridging the gap between the Middle East and Africa, fostering innovation, and fueling economic growth across the continent.

Global Ventures

• 🏦 HQ: Dubai, UAE

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Noor Sweid

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Paymob, Tribal Credit, Max

BECO Capital

• 🏦 HQ: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Dany Farha, Yousef Hammad

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Swvl, MaxAB, Vezeeta

VentureSouq

• 🏦 HQ: Dubai, UAE

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Suneel Gokhale, Sonia Weymuller, Sonia Gokhale, Tammer Qaddumi

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 10-50

• 🎯 Target Sectors: FinTech, ClimateTech

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Trella, Vendease, Yassir

Shorooq Partners

• 🏦 HQ: Abu Dhabi, UAE

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Mahmoud Adi, Shane Shin 

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 1-10

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Capiter, Breadfast, The Food Lab

Nama Ventures

• 🏦 HQ: Riyadh, KSA

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Mohammed Alzubi

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 1-10

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Termii, ShipBlu, Hekouky

Vision Ventures

• 🏦 HQ: Eastern Province, KSA

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Kais Al-Essa, Haitham Bu-Aisha

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 1-10

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Trella, Brimore, Chefaa

Middle East Venture Partners

• 🏦 HQ: Emirates Financial Towers, North Tower, Dubai, UAE

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Walid Hanna, Walid Mansour

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 1-10

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: MNT-Halan, MoneyFellows, Yodawy

Raed Ventures

• 🏦 HQ: Anas Ibn Malik, Synergy Building, Riyadh, KSA

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Omar Almajdouie, Saed Nashef, Talal Alasmari

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 1-10

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Trella, Sylndr, Rabbit

EQ2 Ventures

• 🏦 HQ: Dubai, UAE

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Patrick Thiriet

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 1-10

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Homzmart, ArabyAds, Julaya

Nuwa Capital

• 🏦 HQ: Dubai, UAE

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Khaled Talhouni

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 1-10

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Homzmart, Sylndr, The Food Lab

Arzan Venture Capital

• 🏦 HQ: Kuwait

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Hasan J. Zainal

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 1-10

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: MoneyFellows, Lucky, Fatura

Wamda Capital

• 🏦 HQ: Dubai Design District (d3), Dubai, UAE

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Fadi Ghandour, Fares Ghandour

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 1-10

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: MNT-Halan, Moove, GoMyCode

Silicon Badia

• 🏦 HQ: 123 Zahran Street, Amman, Jordan

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Namek T. Zu’bi, Fawaz H. Zu’bi

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 1-10

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Vezeeta, Expensya, Cartona

Hala Ventures

• 🏦 HQ: Prince Turki Bin Abdulaziz Street, Khobar, Eastern Province, KSA

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Ali Ahmed Abussaud, Hussain Almarhoon,

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 1-10

• 🌍️ Target Geography: GCC Region, Egypt, Jordan

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Intella, SubsBase

Oman Technology Fund

• 🏦 HQ: Knowledge Oasis, Muscat, Oman

• 👨‍💻👩‍💻 Leadership: Mohammed Al Rasbi

• 🔢 Number of Investments in Africa: 1-10

• 👜 Notable African Portfolio companies: Lucky, Shift EV, Galactech

Middle Eastern investors are increasingly funding African startups, marking a shift in global venture capital. These firms are creating lasting partnerships, offering both capital and expertise. As Africa's startup scene matures, this trend highlights the interconnectedness of global markets and Africa's growing role in tech and innovation, presenting opportunities for both regions.