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Welcome to another edition of 🔍 Startup Researcher - Africa, your essential digest delivering the latest news and premium insights on startups and venture capital across the region 🌍

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📰 Important News

• Microsoft has signed an agreement with Egypt’s Ministry of Communications to train 100,000 Egyptians in AI, supporting the country’s National AI Strategy.

• GetEquity became profitable by shifting to local debt investments, processing over $310,000 in deals, and prioritizing sustainable growth.

• Attijariwafa Bank partnered with Kiwi Collecte to promote regulated crowdfunding and support entrepreneurs in Morocco.

• Ghana partnered with Zipline to use drones for medical deliveries, maintaining supply chains amid USAID disruptions.

• Flutterwave has joined Circle’s stablecoin network to enable faster, cheaper cross-border payments using USDC and blockchain technology.

💸 Top Funding Rounds

• Kenyan logistics startup Lori Systems raised $2 million at a $5 million valuation after a dramatic drop from $120 million, focusing on profitability, new financing models, and tech-driven growth.

• DigiSquad secured investment from Crossfin to expand its cloud-based payments platform and boost financial inclusion in underserved African markets.

🏦 About Investors

• The Mastercard Foundation and Capital Connect Africa have partnered to improve capital access and investor readiness for African MSMEs, boosting growth and job creation.

🚀 Startup of the Week

Introducing our Startup of the Week 🏆

GetEquity

GetEquity, a Nigerian fintech platform founded in 2021 by Jude Dike and Temitope Ekundayo, democratizes access to private investments and recently became profitable by pivoting from startup equity to local debt investments like commercial papers. In 2024, the company processed over $310,000 by partnering with asset managers such as ARM to offer retail investors low-risk debt products, with its first major deal involving the Dangote Group. This strategic shift, alongside internal restructuring and a focus on sustainable growth, has positioned GetEquity to deepen its debt offerings, launch new financial products, and target $1 million in annual recurring revenue.

💼 Investor of the Week

Introducing our Investor of the Week 🏆

The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund

The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, a $200 million fund-of-funds initiative launched in March 2022 and managed by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) since early 2025, is dedicated to closing financing gaps for African SMEs by investing through African-owned investment vehicles. The Fund has now partnered with Capital Connect Africa to enhance capital access and investor readiness for early-stage and growth-focused enterprises across the continent. Through CCA’s specialized platform offering funding tools, business development support, and direct investor matchmaking, the partnership aims to unlock Africa’s entrepreneurial potential and create sustainable, inclusive prosperity.

🤑 Opportunity Radar

Call for Applications: FINCA Ventures Prize Competition

Apply to the 2025 FINCA Ventures Prize Competition by May 15th, 2025, to accelerate your impact-driven startup in sub-Saharan Africa. This competition offers grants for innovative entrepreneurs in Climate-Smart Agriculture and Fintech for Financial Inclusion. Whether you're empowering smallholder farmers or expanding financial access through digital solutions, FINCA Ventures provides resources, visibility, and a community of changemakers. Submit your application today and take the next step in scaling your innovation for good.