Solar energy is fast overtaking fintech as Africa’s hottest investment play, as investors pivot toward renewables and climate-focused startups. According to Briter’s latest Africa Investment Report, clean energy and electric mobility attracted $700 million in 2025—more than triple the previous year—driven by soaring demand for off-grid power across the continent. Overall, African startup funding climbed 25% to over $3.6 billion, with South Africa, Kenya, and Egypt leading the capital raise. While fintech still leads in deal volume, solar emerged as the top-funded category across 29 transactions, reflecting efforts to provide access to electricity for nearly 600 million Africans. Meanwhile, AI is gaining attention, though most innovation remains application-driven rather than research-led.
Bloomberg
