25 African Startups to Watch; Fintech Unicorn Moniepoint in Focus | Bloomberg Next Africa

Summary

Bloomberg's Next Africa episode presents the 2026 African Startups to Watch list, focusing on urgency and real-world problem-solving. Featured companies include fintech unicorn Moniepoint, drone startup Terra Industries, and others addressing infrastructure gaps. Venture capital investors discuss shifting funding sources, with African investors now accounting for 45% of funding, and highlight the attractiveness of African valuations.

• Bloomberg released its 2026 African Startups to Watch list with a theme of urgency.
• Moniepoint processes $22B monthly and remains profitable, considering IPO options.
• Terra Industries is scaling drone manufacturing for defense in West Africa and beyond.
• African investors now provide 45% of startup funding, up from previous years.
• International investors are drawn to Africa by attractive valuations and core-problem solving.
• Pension funds in Africa are increasing allocations to private capital for duration matching.
• Startups are focusing on infrastructure gaps in health, clean water, agriculture, and energy.