Media Room

On 7 October 2026, the Africa Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA) launched in Mauritius. Could Africa assessing its own credit risk change how the continent accesses global capital?

When people talk about artificial intelligence, the images are usually the same. Big models. Massive computation. Billion-dollar valuations. Silicon Valley labs. That narrative misses what is actually happening in Africa. Africa’s AI story is not about building the biggest models. It is about building the most practical ones. And in 2026, that difference matters.

For a long time, Africa was viewed through a narrow lens by global companies. It was seen as a future market, a CSR destination, or a place to test low-cost pilots. That perception is changing fast. As 2026 begins, Africa is increasingly being approached as a serious growth market, a production base, and a strategic partner in global value chains. This shift did not happen overnight. It is the result of several forces converging at the same time. Africa is no longer just a de

On Thursday, January 15 and Friday, January 16, 2026 , we will host the Cardano Project Catalyst Fund 15 Pitch Fest on X (formerly Twitter) Spaces . At this event, projects that balance social impact and the practical application of blockchain technology —with a focus on Africa and emerging markets—will present their pitches. Here, we introduce three particularly noteworthy Africa-based projects scheduled to pitch during the event. ① Establishing a Cardano Hub in Nyiragong

Axcel Africa is dedicated to solving social issues in Africa through the acceleration of local startups. Our efforts are particularly focused on supporting business development leveraging Web3 technology and expanding the Web3 ecosystem. For instance, we are cultivating Web3 talent through the "Power Learn Project (PLP)," which aims to train one million software engineers across Africa. Additionally, we collaborate with "Wada Global," a pioneer in building the Cardano ecos

A new year always invites reflection, but 2026 feels different. Africa is not starting from scratch. It is entering the year with momentum built quietly over the last few years. Digital systems are in place, founders are more mature, capital is more disciplined, and governments are showing clearer intent in key sectors. The question for 2026 is no longer whether Africa can build. It is whether Africa can execute at scale. The foundation is already built Over the past few year

Axcel Africa has released the “Axcel Africa Annual Report 2025 – A Year of Co-Creation and Execution Connecting Japan and Africa.” This report provides a comprehensive overview of our activities throughout 2025. The achievements of 2025 would not have been possible without the support of companies, government institutions, and partners in Japan and across Africa; our colleagues who worked side by side with us on the ground; and the many people who have watched over and suppo

Axcel Africa K.K. (Head Office: Takamatsu, Kagawa; CEO: Hiroshi Yokoyama) participated in the Japan Fair within the “TICAD Business...

Africa, with a population exceeding 1.55 billion as of 2025 and a projected GDP of $29 trillion by 2050, stands as a pivotal frontier for economic growth across technology, agriculture, renewable energy, and infrastructure development. Japanese firms, grappling with domestic stagnation, alongside companies from Europe, the United States, and Asia, recognize the continent's potential. However, navigating its diverse 54-country landscape requires a strategic approach to capital

Part 3 of our H1 2025 African startup funding analysis While fintech dominated headlines with $640 million in funding, the real story of H1 2025 lies in how other sectors stepped up to drive the continent's startup rebound. From climate tech's $300 million surge to healthcare's steady $160 million, Africa's funding landscape is becoming remarkably diverse.