Lagos, Nigeria — In a bid to address pressing infrastructure gaps and enhance local economies, a crop of African startups is emerging as pivotal players. These companies, leveraging the continent’s human resources and local funding, are crafting solutions for issues such as inadequate healthcare systems, security concerns, and the absence of traditional banking services. Each of the 25 startups highlighted here is privately owned, stepping in where public infrastructure falls short.
From Nigeria to South Africa and beyond, these innovators are not only filling the gaps left by public services but also creating sustainable solutions that are reshaping the African landscape. Here’s a look at the top 10 startups from Bloomberg’s list of 25 Startups to Watch in Africa (2026): 1. Terra Industries (Nigeria): A defense tech company, Terra Industries, is combatting security issues in West Africa by manufacturing specialized drones and surveillance systems.
It has recently secured $34 million in funding to expand operations into Ghana. 2. Black Swan (Tanzania): This AI software company, Manka, helps small business owners build alternative financial profiles, enabling them to access loans more quickly than traditional banking processes.
3. 10mg Health (Nigeria): This private healthcare finance company uses data to connect clinics and pharmacies with local lenders, ensuring they have the necessary cash flow to operate effectively. 4.
Hub2 (Ivory Coast): This digital payments company simplifies cross-border money transfers in French-speaking West Africa by linking various mobile money wallets and bank accounts. 5. Remedial Health (Nigeria): Focusing on combating counterfeit medicine, this startup provides pharmacies with verified medications and flexible payment terms.
6. Omnisient (South Africa): By analyzing consumer habits, Omnisient helps build credit profiles for individuals without bank accounts, promoting financial inclusion. 7.
Sycamore (Nigeria): This business lending platform offers digital loans to small businesses often overlooked by traditional banks and is expanding services to the African diaspora in the UK. 8. Nkwa: A micro-savings mobile app, Nkwa, aids the informal workforce in saving money securely and reaching financial goals.
9. PawaPay (Pan-African): This mobile money network unites various phone-based financial networks into a single payment gateway, streamlining international business transactions. 10.
Additional Innovators: The remaining startups on Bloomberg’s list are also focused on solving survival-level problems across Africa, from logistics platforms in Kenya to solar energy solutions in Ghana. These startups are not just addressing immediate needs but are also contributing to long-term development, positioning Africa as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Africa.businessinsider
Source: BI Africa Contributor
