This shift is driven by regional demand for digital solutions, the rise of tech hubs and incubators in African tech cities, investment in digital infrastructure, and innovative entrepreneurship
The 2025 Global Tech Ecosystem Index by Dealroom.co spotlights 7 Sub-Saharan African cities as “Rising Stars” among the world’s fastest-growing tech ecosystems.
These cities stand out for their innovative prowess and digital advancements, tailored to meet local and regional demands in their various host nations.
Emerging from a vast region of 48 countries, their success demonstrates global recognition and stakeholder trust in their business and entrepreneurial environment.
Based on key metrics like venture capital inflows, startup ecosystem value, unicorn creation, and research-university partnerships, the Dealroom.co rankings position these 7 cities as leading innovation hubs for startups and business ventures, highlighting the region’s robust growth prospects and dynamic business practices across various sectors.
Notable cities driving this transformation include Lagos, Nigeria, recognized as the world’s fastest-growing tech ecosystem, with a thriving startup scene and significant investment inflows.
Nairobi, Kenya, is another innovation and entrepreneurship hub, with a strong focus on fintech, healthtech, and e-commerce. Cape Town, South Africa, also boasts a thriving tech ecosystem, emphasizing fintech, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence.
Additionally, Johannesburg, South Africa, is a major tech hub, with a diverse range of startups and innovation centers. Kampala, Uganda, is also emerging as a key player, with a growing startup scene and increasing investment in digital innovation, cementing these cities’ roles as key players in Africa’s rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Top 7 fastest-growing tech cities in SSA
Here’s a spotlight on Sub-Saharan Africa’s top 7 fastest-growing tech cities in 2025 and the companies driving their growth:
| Rank | Country | Tech Companies | Sector |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Lagos, Nigeria |
Flutterwave , Jumia, OPay, Moniepoint, Paystack, Andela, Paga, Konga, TeamApt, Interswitch, Paymob and Okra. |
Fintech and E-commerce |
|
2 |
Johannesburg, South Africa |
TymeBank, VALR, Ozow (formerly i-Pay), Pineapple, Enko Education,HyperionDev, Showmax, Liquid Telecom |
Fintech, Entertainment and Telecoms |
|
3 |
Kampala, Uganda |
Ensibuuko Technologies, Billbrain Technologies, Jentroy Uganda, KaCyber Technologies, RideOk and SafeBod |
Fintech, IT services & Consulting, |
|
4 |
Dakar, Senegal |
Wave, InTouch, Yobante Express, Sen’Espaces and ICT4D |
Fintech, Logistics and Delivery |
|
5 |
Accra, Ghana |
Nsano, mPharma, ExpressPay, Hubtel and Youper |
Fintech and E-commerce |
|
6 |
Nairobi, Kenya |
Safaricom, M-Pesa, Ushahidi, Kilimall, BitPesa, Spiro and Twiga cHives |
Fintech, Telecoms and E-commerce |
|
7 |
Cape Town, South Africa |
Yoco, Aerobotics, Global Kinetic, Rock8, Luno and OobaPay |
Fintech and Robotics |
The 2025 Global Tech Ecosystem Index reflects Africa’s accelerating momentum in the global innovation space. From Lagos to Cape Town, it’s clear that countries within the sub-saharan are forging their own path, driven by digital ingenuity, entrepreneurial grit, and the energy of a young, determined population.
Lagos, ranked as the fastest-growing tech ecosystem globally, exemplifies this shift. Despite economic challenges, Nigeria’s tech sector thrives, producing industry leaders like Flutterwave, Interswitch, Jumia, Moniepoint, and OPay, valued at over $1 billion each.
Other African cities are also making significant strides. Nairobi excels in fintech and clean energy, Cape Town leads in AI, biotech, and health tech, and Kigali, Kampala, and Dakar are gaining recognition for their inclusive digital ecosystems.
These hubs are becoming convergence points for investors, developers, academia, and policymakers, fostering sustainable tech innovation.
This collaborative environment is driving homegrown solutions in mobile banking, agritech, e-health, and logistics, enabling African countries to address pressing challenges effectively.
