Every business needs funding to grow, but for startups, securing the right financial support can be the difference between success and failure. Fortunately, African founders have a growing number of funding opportunities — from grants that require no repayment to venture capital investments that provide long-term support. These funding sources can help you scale operations, refine your product, or expand into new markets.
We’ve compiled 20 of the best grants and VC open calls for African founders in 2025. These cover various industries, funding stages, and eligibility criteria, ensuring there’s something for every ambitious entrepreneur.
1. DTS Prize
A prestigious competition for deep-tech startups, offering $50,000 in cash prizes and industry recognition. If your startup is working on cutting-edge technology, this is for you.
Eligibility: Early-stage deep-tech startups
Funding: $50,000
Deadline: March 20, 2025
Apply here: DTS Prize
2. Delta40 Venture Studio x BESTSELLER FOUNDATION
This is a six-month venture-building program supporting startups tackling circular economy challenges in areas like Agritech, food waste, textiles, and AI.
Eligibility: Startups in Agritech, Food Waste, Textiles, Renewable Energy, AI for Circular Economy
Support: Funding and execution support
Deadline: March 24, 2025
Apply here: Delta40 Venture Studio
3. Sabou Capital
This open call provides funding for high-growth, tech-enabled SMEs operating in key African industries.
Eligibility: Startups in secondary West and Central African cities operating in Agriculture, Fintech, Climate Tech, Healthcare, Logistics, and Mobility
Support: Funding for tech-enabled businesses with proven traction
Deadline: Rolling applications
Apply here: Sabou Capital
4. Zrosk
Zrosk provides early-stage and growth funding for African startups in consumer products and technology.
Funding: Not specified
Stage: Early to growth
Region: Africa
Apply here: Zrosk Capital
5. Africa Business Heroes
An initiative by the Jack Ma Foundation that awards funding to the top African entrepreneurs making an impact.
Funding: Varies per winner
Stage: Any stage
Region: Africa
Apply here: Africa Business Heroes
6. Voltron Capital
A VC firm supporting pre-seed and seed-stage startups in multiple industries, including AI, fintech, logistics, and healthtech.
Funding: $25,000
Stage: Pre-seed, seed
Region: Africa, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Uganda
Apply here: Voltron Capital
7. Village Capital
A globally recognized VC firm that provides investment and mentorship to startups in emerging markets.
Funding: Up to $250,000
Stage: Early to growth
Region: Emerging markets, global
Apply here: Village Capital
8. Capria VC
Capria invests in high-impact startups that focus on innovation in emerging markets.
Funding: $100,000 – $500,000
Stage: Early-stage
Region: Emerging markets
Apply here: Capria VC
9. Aruwa Capital
A VC firm funding early-stage and growth-stage startups in fintech, healthtech, and clean technology. Aruwa Capital also focuses on providing long-term support to women-led startups.
Funding: $100,000
Stage: Seed to growth, Series A
Region: Nigeria, West Africa
Apply here: Aruwa Capital
10. CRE Venture Capital
A VC firm investing in high-growth startups across Africa.
Funding: Up to $250,000
Stage: Growth-stage
Region: Africa
Apply here: CRE VC
11. Flourish Ventures
Focuses on startups in digital infrastructure, fintech, and financial inclusion.
Funding: $500,000
Stage: Early to growth.
Region: Global
Apply here: Flourish Ventures
12. Harlem Capital
A diversity-focused VC firm investing in consumer products, fintech, and technology.
Funding: $250,000
Stage: Pre-seed, seed
Region: Africa, Kenya, US
Apply here: Harlem Capital
13. Future Africa
Provides early-stage investments to African entrepreneurs tackling critical challenges.
Funding: $50,000
Stage: Early to growth
Region: Africa
Apply here: Future Africa
14. Equator VC
A technology-focused VC firm funding early-stage African startup.
Funding: Not specified
Stage: Early stage
Region: Africa
Apply here: Equator VC
15. Lightrock Capital
Invests in fintech, technology, and consumer products startups.
Funding: $250,000
Stage: Pre-seed, seed
Region: Africa, Kenya, US
Apply here: Lightrock Capital
16. Ingressive Capital
A VC fund backing tech-driven startups in fintech, SaaS, logistics, and entertainment.
Funding: $200,000
Stage: Pre-seed, seed
Region: Africa, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria
Apply here: Ingressive Capital
17. Magic Fund
A global VC firm supporting fintech, SaaS, and financial inclusion startups.
Funding: $100,000
Stage: Early-stage, pre-seed, seed
Region: Africa, Nigeria, US
Apply here: Magic Fund
18. Novastar Ventures
Focused on high-impact startups in logistics, fintech, and mobility.
Funding: $200,000
Stage: Seed, growth
Region: Africa, East & West Africa
Apply here: Novastar Ventures
19. Oui Capital
A tech-focused VC firm funding startups from early to growth stage.
Funding: $100,000
Stage: Early to growth
Region: Africa
Apply here: Oui Capital
20. ShEquity
ShEquity provides sustainable investments for African female entrepreneurs and innovators.
Funding: $50,000
Region: Africa
Stage: Early Stage
Apply here: ShEquity
