Blog and Articles

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

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.

Part 2 of our H1 2025 African startup funding analysis as published by Africa: The Big Deal | Max | Substack While the $1.4 billion headline from H1 2025 captured attention, the real story lies in how that money moved. A closer look at the deal patterns reveals an ecosystem that's not just recovering—it's fundamentally evolving.

Last week, Nairobi played host to one of the continent’s most pivotal technology gatherings: the   Kenya Blockchain & Crypto Conference...

After a muted 2023, Africa’s startup funding landscape is picking up serious pace. According to recent figures published by  Africa: The...

The African startup ecosystem in 2025 is witnessing a transformative wave, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a game-changer...

Date:   June 4th – 5th, 2025   Venue:   Nairobi, Kenya   Prepared by:   Axcel Africa Navigating the Future: Axcel Africa at the Kenya...

The African startup ecosystem is pulsing with fresh energy, as strategic capital, game-changing exits, and bold growth moves redefine the...

Introduction: Africa's Fintech Revolution Africa's fintech sector stands at an inflection point in 2025, having evolved from modest...

Africa's tech ecosystem is finding its rhythm again. In Q1 2025, startups across the continent raised an estimated   USD 460 million ,...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming industries, economies, and societies worldwide. Recognizing its immense potential,...

The creative industries in Kenya and Japan are poised for transformative growth in 2025, driven by shared values of innovation, cultural...

Africa's fintech landscape is undergoing a seismic transformation, with digital payments, lending, insurtech, and blockchain at the...

The African startup ecosystem has kicked off 2025 with a bang, showcasing remarkable resilience and growth despite global economic...

Purple Elephant Ventures (PEV), a Nairobi-based venture studio, is making waves in Africa's tourism sector. With a mission to...

As the world pivots toward greener energy and sustainable solutions, Ethiopia’s e-mobility company,   Dodai , is taking bold steps to...

As the dust settles in 2024, it’s time to assess the performance of African startups during a year marked by economic uncertainty and...

Africa's economic narrative is shifting. Once perceived as a high-risk, low-return region, the continent increasingly attracts global...