This Week in African Tech 🌍

Hey, Maryann here 👋🏽 

Q2 funding is showing signs of life, up 50 from last quarter, even as fewer startups closed rounds. Kenya is getting a fully electric cold chain delivery network, Egypt’s Nawy is eyeing the Gulf, and PUBG is finally taking Africa’s gaming market seriously.

There’s deal action across AI, BNPL, and proptech, plus a rare partial exit and a fintech reacquisition to watch.

Let’s get to the roundup!

Tech Roundup

• African tech startup funding jumped 50% in Q2, hitting $426.9M, up from $283.9M in Q1. While fewer startups raised, those that did pulled in bigger rounds.

• Kenya’s Roam and Keep It Cool have joined forces to launch Africa’s first fully electric cold-chain delivery network, combining solar-powered refrigeration with Roam’s electric motorbikes for cleaner, cooler logistics.

• Early-stage venture capital firm Rally Cap has partially exited its investment in South African fintech Stitch, following the company’s recent $55 million Series B raise.

• Egyptian prop-tech startup Nawy has expanded into the GCC with a majority stake acquisition of Dubai-based SmartCrowd. The deal adds fractional ownership and asset enhancement to Nawy’s existing home financing and brokerage tools.

• PUBG MOBILE is doubling down on Africa’s gaming market with local servers now live in Nigeria and South Africa. It’s also launching regional tournaments and rolling out Africa-themed emotes and game skins.

• Engage Capital has placed a $24.5 million offer to buy Lipa Later, the Kenyan BNPL startup that went into administration in March 2025 after struggling to raise fresh funding.

Deal Roundup

• Reach for Change, Africa Fintech Foundry, Fate Foundation, Anza, and Ennovate Ventures have been named venture partners for Village Capital’s $4M Ecosystem Catalysts Facility, aimed at strengthening early-stage support systems across Africa.

• Egypt’s Tactful AI has been reacquired by its founders as the company enters a new chapter focused on scaling. The move positions Tactful to chart an independent growth path with fresh plans for regional and international expansion.

• Egyptian fintech PALM has closed a seven-figure pre-seed round led by 4DX Ventures. The funding will go towards ramping up user acquisition, expanding product use cases, and deepening its network of strategic partners.

• African AI startup Rwazi has raised US$12 million in Series A funding. The company will use the money to grow its data systems, improve its simulation tools, and make its AI copilot better at giving useful suggestions for business decisions.

Other Events and Opportunities

• Reckitt Catalyst is now accepting applications for its global program supporting health and hygiene startups led by women and underrepresented founders. Backed by Reckitt, the Health Innovation Exchange, and Yunus Social Innovation, the initiative offers funding, mentorship, and global exposure—with Serena Williams joining as Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Applications are open here until August 10, 2025.

• Visa has opened applications for the fifth edition of its Africa Fintech Accelerator. The program offers startups access to tools, mentorship, and industry connections to help scale their solutions. Applications are open here until August 15.

• MEST has opened applications for its newly revamped AI Startup Program, aimed at preparing Africa’s top tech talent to build and scale AI-driven ventures. The updated program positions African entrepreneurs to lead in the global AI wave. Applications for the 2026 intake are now open.

• Visa has opened applications for its She’s Next programme to women-led businesses in South Africa. The initiative offers grant funding, training, mentorship, and networking to support female founders. Applications are open here until July 30.

• Regenesys is hosting a 6-night educational and business trip in Sandton, Johannesburg from August 17 to 23, 2025. The experience includes an SME conference and expo, networking sessions, industry visits, cultural tours and time to relax. Cost is KES 250,000 (USD 1,940), which covers flights and meals for three days. Spots are limited, so register now.
  

• Servercore is researching the IT infrastructure needs of Kenyan businesses and would appreciate your support in sharing their survey. The insights will help shape better, locally-informed cloud solutions — with findings to be published in the coming months. Share your insights here.

And that's a wrap!

That’s it for this week. See you on Wednesday 😃 

Cheers,

The Tech Safari Team

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