Amara Okonkwo
Senior Technology Correspondent
Lagos, Nigeria
Senior Technology Correspondent and Market Intelligence lead. Amara tracks the flow of venture capital and the evolution of fintech infrastructure across the continent's major tech hubs. She specializes in analyzing the intersection of traditional finance and leapfrog digital technologies.
Areas of Expertise
Recent Articles by Amara Okonkwo
Delta40 Secures Sh2.6 Billion from Soros to Boost African Startup Investment
Delta40, a venture firm backed by George Soros, has secured Sh2. 6 billion (equivalent to $20 million) to significantly increase its investment in early-stage African startups. The February 13th funding round signals continued confidence in our cont
Soros-backed African startup fund signals surge in tech investment as funding leaps by almost 50%
Philanthropist George Soros is backing an African startup fund, signaling a surge in tech investment on the continent. According to a report by Semafor, this development comes as African tech startup funding has leaped by almost 50% in recent times.
Kenya’s 50 Deals Signal Shift in African Startup Funding as South Africa Market Diversifies
Kenya Leads the Way in African Startup Funding According to Capitalfm. co. ke, Kenya has taken the top spot in African startup funding with 50 deals.
Delta40’s Sh2.6bn Fund Signals Renewed Investor Confidence in African Startups Following $20M Round
Delta40’s Sh2. 6bn Fund Signals Renewed Investor Confidence in African Startups Following $20M Round In a significant boost to the African startup ecosystem, Delta40 has announced a Sh2. 6 billion (approximately $20 million) fund dedicated to support
Delta40’s $20M Round Signals Shift as African Startup Debt Funding Doubles Amid Equity Decline
African Startups Witness Shift to Debt Funding Amid Equity Decline A recent $20 million funding round led by Delta40 has highlighted a growing trend in African startups - a shift towards debt funding. According to a report from Bloomberg, African st
Kenya’s Tech Funding Leadership, Predicted by TechAfrica News, Materialized
Kenya’s anticipated dominance in African tech funding has materialized, according to TechAfrica News. Predictions made earlier this year indicated Kenya would lead the continent in attracting investment by 2025, and initial reports confirm this tren
Kenya’s Tech Funding Lead Signals Nearly 50% Surge Across Africa
Kenya Takes the Lead in Africa’s Tech Funding Surge Kenyans have reason to celebrate as our country took the lead in Africa’s tech funding in 2025, according to recent reports. This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our e
African Startups Attract International Backing as Delta40 Secures $20M Fund Amid Growing Japanese Investment
African Startups Attract International Backing as Delta40 Secures $20M Fund Amid Growing Japanese Investment African startups are gaining significant attention from international investors, with Delta40's recent completion of a $20M investment fund b
Delta40 Seals $20M Fund to Drive Expansion of African Venture Studio Amid Growing Interest from Japanese Investors
Delta40 Seals $20M Fund to Drive Expansion of African Venture Studio Amid Growing Interest from Japanese Investors Delta40, a prominent venture studio focused on empowering African startups, has successfully closed a $20 million investment fund. Acc
Delta40 Secures $20 Million to Fuel Expansion of African Startups
Delta40 Secures $20 Million to Fuel Expansion of African Startups Africa-focused venture builder Delta40 has closed a $20 million fund, a significant milestone for the continent's startup ecosystem. The fund will be used to support and scale African
Eni and CDP Venture Capital's €550,000 Investment in EXE Engineering Signals Growing Appetite for Carbon Offsetting Ventures in Africa
Eni and CDP Venture Capital's €550,000 Investment in EXE Engineering Signals Growing Appetite for Carbon Offsetting Ventures in Africa In a significant move that underscores the growing interest in carbon offsetting ventures in Africa, Eni and CDP Ve
African Startup Funding Reverts to Post-2020 Levels, Signals January Slump to Lowest Point Since Then
African Startup Funding Reverts to Post-2020 Levels, Signals January Slump African startup funding fell to its lowest level since 2020 in January, according to recent reports. This slump signals a return to post-2020 funding levels, a trend that may
African Startup Funding Reverts to Post-2020 Levels, January Data Shows
African startup funding has fallen to its lowest level since 2020, reaching $174 million in January 2026. According to Businessday NG, the sharp decline marks a return to post-2020 levels, down from the $276 million recorded in January 2025. This d
SolarAfrica Secures $94m to Expand Renewable Energy Access
SolarAfrica Secures $94m to Expand Renewable Energy Access South African renewable energy company, SolarAfrica, has raised $94 million in debt funding to build a large solar plant in the Northern Cape, according to a recent report. This significant
SolarAfrica Secures $94m Funding to Boost Renewable Energy Capacity
Celebrating a major win for renewable energy on our continent, South African company SolarAfrica has secured $94 million in debt funding to build a large solar plant in the Northern Cape. This significant investment is a testament to the growing con
Egypt and Nigeria Lead African Startup Funding as 26 Ventures Secure $174 Million
Egypt and Nigeria Lead African Startup Funding as 26 Ventures Secure $174 Million In a sign of the burgeoning tech ecosystem in Africa, our continent's startups have secured a total of $174 million in funding. According to reports, January saw 26 st
Africa.com Signals Profit and Purpose Driving Private Equity & Venture Capital Investment
Across the continent, a powerful narrative is solidifying: investment in African private equity and venture capital isn’t just about returns, it’s about impact. A recent report highlighted by Africa. com on February 9, 2026, signals a growing recogn
African Private Equity and Venture Capital Investment Strikes Balance Between Profit and Purpose
African Private Equity and Venture Capital Investment Strikes Balance Between Profit and Purpose African private equity and venture capital investment has been gaining momentum in recent years, and for good reason. As our continent continues to inno
Africa's Tech Startup Ecosystem Signals Concern as Active Investors Decline and Gender Funding Gap Widens
Africa's Tech Startup Ecosystem Signals Concern as Active Investors Decline and Gender Funding Gap Widens A concerning trend has emerged in Africa's tech startup ecosystem, as the number of active investors in African tech startups fell again in 2025
Disrupt Africa Data Shows Investor Decline Alongside Record Low $174m Raises for African Tech, Widening Gender Funding Gap
According to Disrupt Africa, the number of active investors in African tech startups fell again in 2025, a worrying trend that could slow the continent's digital growth. This decline happened alongside record-low investments in African tech startups
Kenya Edges Out Nigeria in Three Key Sectors to Rank Fourth in African Startup Funding
Kenya Edges Out Nigeria in Three Key Sectors to Rank Fourth in African Startup Funding According to a recent report, Kenya has outranked Nigeria in three key sectors to claim the fourth spot in overall African startup funding. This achievement is a
Kenya Startup Funding Outpaces Nigeria in Key Sectors.
Kenya's startup scene has made a significant stride, outpacing Nigeria in three key sectors, cementing its position as a hub for innovation in Africa. According to a recent report, Kenya ranked fourth in overall African startup funding. The Perform
Ghana's Absence of Limited Partnerships Law Repels Long-term Investors, GVCA CEO Warns
Ghana is losing out on long-term investment capital due to the absence of a Limited Partnerships Act, a critical legal framework that facilitates private equity and venture capital investments. According to the Ghana Venture Capital Association (GVC
Middle East & Africa Venture Capital Market Signals Robust Growth
Middle East & Africa Venture Capital Market Signals Robust Growth According to UnivDatos, the Middle East & Africa Venture Capital Market is poised for significant growth, with projections indicating a substantial increase by 2033. This development
TechCabal Predicts Surge in African Startup Funding and Rise of Cybersecurity Investment
TechCabal Predicts Surge in African Startup Funding and Rise of Cybersecurity Investment As we kick off 2026, TechCabal is sharing insights on the future of African tech, and the predictions are promising. According to David Afolayan, there will be
African startups signal strong venture funding prospects as TechCabal's David Afolayan and Uwem Uwemakpan see sector growth and cybersecurity emerg...
African Startups Signal Strong Venture Funding Prospects As we enter 2026, African startups are poised for significant growth, with venture funding prospects looking stronger than ever. According to David Afolayan of TechCabal, "In 2026, there would
Kenya Overtakes Nigeria in Key Startup Sectors Amid Robust Funding Growth
Kenya has surpassed Nigeria in three key startup sectors, earning its spot as the fourth country in overall African startup funding. According to a recent report by The Kenya Times, this achievement is a testament to the growing entrepreneurial spir
Kenya's Startup Ecosystem Surpasses Nigeria's in Three Sectors, Ranks Fourth in Africa for Overall Funding
Kenya's Startup Ecosystem Surpasses Nigeria's in Three Sectors, Ranks Fourth in Africa for Overall Funding Kenya has cemented its position as a leading hub for startups in Africa, surpassing Nigeria in three key sectors and ranking fourth in overall
African Tech Startups Attract Nearly 50% More Investment, As Qualcomm Launches Programme to Empower Local Businesses
African Tech Startups Attract Nearly 50% More Investment, As Qualcomm Launches Programme to Empower Local Businesses For us Africans, it's been a long time coming, but the investment tide is finally turning in our favor. According to reports, invest
Qualcomm Empowers African Startups with "Make in Africa" Programme as Sector Sees 50% Investment Surge
African tech startups have seen a significant surge in investment, with a nearly 50% increase in funding, according to recent reports. This uptick in investment is a welcome development for our continent's entrepreneurs, who have faced challenges in
Tech Startup Investment in Africa Nearly Half More, TechRound Reports
Africa's Tech Startup Scene Witnesses Significant Investment Boost According to a recent report by TechRound, investment in African tech startups has seen a remarkable increase of nearly 50%, marking a significant milestone for our continent's growin
Kenya’s Venture Capital Dominance Signals $4.1B Continental Funding Surge
Kenya tops Africa's venture capital chart, with the continent raising $4. 1 billion in 2025, as reported by TechAfrica News. This milestone signals a significant surge in funding for African startups, with Kenya leading the pack.
African Tech Startup Funding Demonstrates Strong Recovery, Leaping 50%, as GoCab Secures USD 45m for Mobility Financing
African Tech Startup Funding Demonstrates Strong Recovery, Leaping 50%, as GoCab Secures USD 45m for Mobility Financing According to Disrupt Africa, African tech startup funding has demonstrated a remarkable recovery, leaping by almost 50% as the sec
African Tech Startup Funding Sees 50% Uptick, As Seven24 Aims to Develop Venture Pipeline and GoCab Secures $45m for Mobility Financing.
African Tech Startup Funding Sees 50% Uptick, As Seven24 Aims to Develop Venture Pipeline and GoCab Secures $45m for Mobility Financing African tech startups are experiencing a significant surge in funding, with a 50% increase in investment, accordin
African tech startup funding signals strong recovery with 50% surge, as GoCab secures $45m to drive expansion.
African Tech Startup Funding Sees Strong Recovery with 50% Surge According to a report by Disrupt Africa, African tech startup funding has experienced a significant surge, with a nearly 50% increase in funding. This recovery comes as a welcome relie
Nigeria’s Fintechs Secured $520m, Leading African Funding Despite CBN Interest Rate Pressure
Nigeria's fintech ecosystem has once again demonstrated its resilience and growth potential, securing over $520 million in equity funding in 2024 despite rising global interest rates. This impressive feat cements Nigeria's position as Africa's leadi
FP Capital’s $10 Million Fund Backing Signals Investor Florent Nduwayezu’s Focus on African Startups
Meet Florent Nduwayezu, the investor behind FP Capital's $10 million fund dedicated to supporting African startups. As reported by Business Insider Africa, this significant backing signals Nduwayezu's commitment to empowering our continent's entrepr
Launch Base Africa Analysis: Nine Trends Defined African Tech Funding Shifts
Our tech ecosystem demonstrated remarkable resilience in January, navigating a shifting funding landscape. Launch Base Africa’s recent analysis pinpointed nine key trends that defined African tech funding during the month, signaling a continued, alb
ICTworks Launches $5,000 Seed Grants to Fuel African Startup Technology Entrepreneurs
Today marks a significant boost for African tech innovation as ICTworks announced a new seed grant program offering $5,000 to aspiring technology entrepreneurs across the continent. Published on February 2, 2026, this initiative aims to empower the
African Tech’s Shift to Debt Funding Normalizes, Semafor Reports
African tech firms are increasingly turning to debt funding as a viable source of capital, according to a report by Semafor. In 2025, African startups raised a record amount in debt financing, signaling a shift in the continent's maturing tech scene
Launch Base Africa’s Playbook Reveals Strategies of Most Active Tech Investors
Africa's Most Active Tech Investors Reveal Their Playbook for 2025 Launch Base Africa, a leading player in Africa's tech ecosystem, recently published its playbook for 2025, offering a rare glimpse into the strategies of some of the continent's most
Property Finder-Led Funding Surge Signals Top 10 Africa Startups’ Dominance of 42% of Continent’s Investment
Property Finder’s recent funding round has propelled a surge in investment across Africa’s startup ecosystem, signaling a strong start to 2026. The top 10 startups on the continent now dominate an estimated 42% of all funding secured in 2025, demons
Record Debt Surge Drove African Tech Funding Rebound, North Africapost Reports
African Tech Funding Rebounds in 2025 In a promising development for the African tech ecosystem, funding rebounds in 2025, driven by a record debt surge. According to northafricapost. com, this resurgence signals a welcome return to growth for our c
Yakeey’s $15m Series A Signals Growing Investor Confidence in Moroccan PropTech
Moroccan prop-tech startup Yakeey secured $15 million in a Series A funding round on January 29, 2026, signaling growing investor confidence in the North African tech ecosystem. The funding, reported by Disrupt Africa, will empower Yakeey to further
Africa Startup M&A Activity Surged 72%
According to Searxng Bing, merger and acquisition activity in African startups surged in 2025, with 67 deals recorded, representing a 72% increase from the previous year. This significant growth is a testament to the maturing startup ecosystem on ou
ASVLP to Host Venture Leaders as Startup Funding Rebounds in Africa, MENA
A surge of optimism is sweeping through the African and Middle Eastern startup ecosystems as the Africa Startup Leaders Program (ASVLP) 2026 prepares to convene venture leaders. Scheduled for later this year, the program arrives as funding for start
Tekedia Report Signals Worsening Gender Funding Disparity for African Startups
Our tech ecosystem continues to evolve, but a recent report signals a worrying trend. Tekedia’s analysis, published on January 26, 2026, highlights a deepening gender gap in African startup funding. While overall investment in African ventures rema
Local Investors' Share of African Startup Funding Reaches 40%, Moniepoint Sole Nigerian Representative in Top 10
Local Investors' Share of African Startup Funding Reaches 40%, Moniepoint Sole Nigerian Representative in Top 10 Nearly 40% of African startup funding now comes from local investors, marking a significant shift in the continent's tech landscape. Acc
Nigeria Set to Host Tech Revolution Africa, Continent’s Largest Gathering
Nigeria is poised to become the epicentre of African technology at the end of January, as it prepares to host the Tech Revolution Africa 2026 Conference. This landmark event promises to be the largest tech gathering on the continent, drawing innovat
Cautious Capital’s Return Signals African Tech Startup Investment Reset After Lean Period
Across major African markets, a cautious optimism is returning to the venture capital landscape. After a period of constrained funding, investors are once again showing interest in African tech startups, signaling a potential reset for the ecosystem