Nigerian Fintechs Secure $243m Funding, Trail Egypt, South Africa, Kenya

Nigeria’s fintech startups amassed $243 million in funding over the past year, marking the lowest among the “Big Four” African nations, according to data from Afridigest, an African data and research platform.

Despite a 16% funding decline in Nigeria for 2023, noteworthy startups like Moove ($66 million) and Lemfi ($33 million) successfully raised substantial amounts.

Among the Big Four nations, Egypt took the lead in 2023, securing the highest fintech funding with $541 million, followed by South Africa ($367 million), Kenya ($301 million), and Nigeria ($243 million).

While Nigeria experienced the highest number of deals reported in one year (60 deals), South Africa had 25 deals, Kenya had 23, and Egypt recorded 17, as outlined in the report. A total of 150 African fintech startups collectively announced raising $1.55 billion in risk capital through 169 transactions.

Despite an overall 24% decline in fundraising compared to the same period in 2022, the report highlighted a notable disparity when distinguishing between equity and debt financing. Equity funding for African fintech companies dropped by 43% in 2023 compared to the previous year. In contrast, debt financing exhibited robust growth, surging by 34% to $647 million.

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The top three fintech sectors that attracted the most funding were the Banking/Lending sector, payments/cards, and financial management solutions.

The rise in debt financing suggests a shift in investment strategies among venture capitalists and private equity firms, who are becoming more discerning in the wake of global economic volatility and inflationary forces.

Experts believe that this trend reflects a global response to economic uncertainties, prompting investors to reevaluate risk appetite, especially in the tech ecosystem.

In Africa, investors are seeking greater assurances from founders and tech companies before committing to fund their ideas.

The funding landscape indicates a nuanced evolution in the dynamics of fintech investments across African nations, with each country showcasing distinct patterns in fundraising and investor preferences.