Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025: Africa's Rising Stars
The annual Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 by StartupBlink, which ranks global startup ecosystems based on quantity, quality, and business environment, reveals fascinating dynamics, particularly in Africa. Here are the top 10 African countries and their performance:
1. South Africa (52nd globally) maintains its position as the leader on the continent, with a 19.5% ecosystem growth. Johannesburg has surpassed Cape Town as the primary hub.
2. Egypt (65th globally) moves up one rank, showcasing a solid 22.0% growth. It ranks 3rd in Africa and dominates North Africa, driven by Cairo (90th globally).
3. Nigeria (66th globally) drops two ranks, recording a moderate 5.4% growth. Lagos (76th globally) remains its major hub, despite slipping out of the top 70 globally.
4. Cape Verde (75th globally) makes a remarkable three-place jump, with a 22.8% growth, establishing itself as the fastest-growing ecosystem in West Africa.
5. Ghana (81st globally) gains seven places, thanks to a 14.0% growth. Accra (243rd globally) achieves its highest historical ranking, becoming the second city in West Africa.
6. Tunisia (82nd globally) advances eight places, with a 15.3% growth. Tunis (327th globally) continues its progress, although it ranks 3rd in North Africa, competing with faster-growing ecosystems like Casablanca. The acquisition of InstaDeep and the "Startup Act 2.0" are positive signals.
7. Namibia (85th globally) reaches its highest historical ranking, with a 5.3% growth. Windhoek (512th globally) stands out with an exceptional 74.2% growth.
8. Morocco (88th globally), up four ranks, displays the strongest growth in North Africa (+23.1%), with Casablanca (317th globally) leading its cities.
9. Senegal (92nd globally) drops six places, recording the only negative growth in the top 10 African countries (-18.8%), affecting its primary hub, Dakar (337th globally).
10. Uganda (94th globally) gains one place despite a -6.8% growth. Its capital, Kampala (301st globally), is the driving force in East Africa, with a 54.6% growth.
Globally, the ranking remains dominated by established players: the United States (1st) retains its top spot, the United Kingdom (2nd) consolidates its position, and Israel (3rd) maintains its stability for the fifth consecutive year.
