TLcom Capital’s approach is rooted in identifying scalable business models that address critical gaps in Africa’s tech ecosystem. Johnson leverages her network and expertise to provide strategic guidance to startups, helping them navigate regulatory challenges and market expansion [2].
As Africa’s mobile adoption continues to grow, Johnson emphasizes the importance of tech solutions that are accessible and relevant to the continent’s diverse populations. TLcom Capital’s investments aim to drive innovation while creating social impact across various industries [2].
By focusing on sectors that are poised for rapid growth, Johnson is contributing to the evolution of Africa’s tech landscape. TLcom Capital’s portfolio reflects a commitment to supporting tech entrepreneurs who are driving change and shaping the future of the continent’s digital economy [2].
4. Maurice Ostro – Co-founder of Entrepreneur First
Maurice Ostro, the Co-founder of Entrepreneur First, is a driving force behind early-stage tech investments in Africa. Entrepreneur First supports aspiring entrepreneurs in building tech companies from scratch, providing funding, mentorship, and a supportive network [2].
Ostro’s focus areas include fintech, healthtech, and edtech, aligning with the growing demand for innovative solutions in these sectors. By nurturing talent and fostering innovation, Entrepreneur First is helping to cultivate a new generation of tech leaders in Africa [2].
With a keen eye for disruptive ideas, Ostro and his team at Entrepreneur First are changing the way startups are formed and funded in Africa. By providing a platform for founders to connect, collaborate, and innovate, the organization is contributing to the growth and diversity of the continent’s tech ecosystem [2].
Through strategic investments and mentorship, Ostro is empowering entrepreneurs to build scalable businesses that address real-world challenges. By supporting the next wave of tech innovators, Entrepreneur First is playing a vital role in shaping Africa’s digital future [2].
5. Yemi Lalude – Managing Partner at TPG Growth
Yemi Lalude, the Managing Partner at TPG Growth, is at the forefront of tech investments that address Africa’s unique needs. TPG Growth focuses on backing tech-driven businesses that have the potential to make a significant impact on the continent’s evolving landscape [2].
Lalude’s investment strategy centers around fintech and e-commerce, areas that are experiencing rapid growth and innovation in Africa. By supporting startups that are reshaping the way business is done on the continent, TPG Growth is driving positive change and economic development [2].
With a deep understanding of Africa’s market dynamics and consumer behavior, Lalude is able to identify opportunities that align with TPG Growth’s investment thesis. By partnering with visionary entrepreneurs and providing them with the resources they need to succeed, he is helping to build a more vibrant and inclusive tech ecosystem in Africa [2].
Through strategic investments and partnerships, Lalude is driving innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa. By supporting founders who are tackling complex challenges and creating scalable solutions, TPG Growth is playing a vital role in shaping the future of technology on the continent [2].
6. Eghosa Oriaikhi Mabhena – Vice President of Digital at Puma Energy
Eghosa Oriaikhi Mabhena, the Vice President of Digital at Puma Energy, is driving investments in energy infrastructure to support Africa’s digital transformation. With a focus on leveraging technology to improve access to energy resources, Mabhena is playing a key role in shaping the continent’s energy landscape [2].
Under Mabhena’s leadership, Puma Energy is investing in innovative solutions that enhance energy efficiency and sustainability. By harnessing digital technologies, the company is able to optimize its operations and deliver reliable energy services to communities across Africa [2].
Mabhena’s vision for Africa’s energy sector is centered around driving growth and development through digital innovation. By investing in infrastructure projects that support the continent’s digital economy, he is helping to create new opportunities for economic advancement and social progress [2].
Through his strategic investments in energy infrastructure, Mabhena is contributing to Africa’s digital transformation. By embracing cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices, Puma Energy is paving the way for a more efficient and connected energy ecosystem in Africa [2].
7. Babajide Sanwo-Olu – Governor of Lagos
Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Governor of Lagos, is championing tech innovation through government initiatives aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and digital transformation. With a focus on creating a conducive environment for startups to thrive, Sanwo-Olu is driving the growth of Lagos as a tech hub in Africa [2].
Sanwo-Olu’s administration has launched various programs to support tech entrepreneurship, including innovation hubs, funding schemes, and regulatory reforms. By providing resources and incentives for startups, the Governor is empowering the next generation of tech leaders in Lagos and beyond [2].
With a vision to position Lagos as a global tech destination, Sanwo-Olu is actively promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors. By fostering partnerships and driving innovation, he is laying the foundation for a thriving tech ecosystem that attracts investment and talent from around the world [2].
Through his leadership and commitment to tech entrepreneurship, Sanwo-Olu is shaping the future of Lagos as a leading tech hub in Africa. By creating opportunities for startups to grow and succeed, he is driving economic growth and technological advancement in the region [2].
8. Samuel Mensah – Founder and CEO of KISUA
Samuel Mensah, the Founder and CEO of KISUA, is a key player in Africa’s e-commerce and digital retail sector. With a focus on leveraging technology to transform the fashion industry, Mensah is driving innovation and growth in online retail across the continent [2].
Through KISUA, Mensah is supporting emerging designers and brands by providing them with a platform to reach a global audience. By combining fashion and technology, he is creating new opportunities for African creatives to showcase their work and connect with consumers worldwide [2].
With a deep understanding of the retail industry and consumer behavior, Mensah is able to identify trends and opportunities that drive growth in e-commerce. By harnessing the power of digital platforms, he is empowering entrepreneurs and small businesses to thrive in the competitive online marketplace [2].
Through KISUA, Mensah is not only reshaping the fashion industry in Africa but also contributing to the growth of the continent’s digital economy. By fostering creativity and innovation, he is helping to position Africa as a hub for e-commerce and digital retail on the global stage [2].
9. Jason Njoku – Founder and CEO of iROKO
Jason Njoku, the Founder and CEO of iROKO, is a pioneer in Africa’s digital entertainment industry. With a focus on media, fintech, and e-commerce, Njoku is driving innovation and growth in online content distribution and consumer services across the continent [2].
Through iROKO, Njoku has revolutionized the way African audiences access and consume digital content. By providing a platform for Nollywood movies and TV shows, he has created new opportunities for content creators and filmmakers to reach a global audience [2].
With a deep understanding of the media and entertainment industry, Njoku is able to identify trends and opportunities that drive growth in online content distribution. By leveraging technology and data analytics, he is empowering creators and producers to monetize their content and reach a wider audience [2].
Through iROKO, Njoku is not only shaping the future of digital entertainment in Africa but also contributing to the growth of the continent’s media and tech sectors. By supporting content creators and innovators, he is helping to position Africa as a hub for creativity and digital innovation on the global stage [2].
10. Sim Shagaya – Founder and CEO of Konga
Sim Shagaya, the Founder and CEO of Konga, is a leading figure in Africa’s e-commerce and fintech sectors. With a focus on cross-border trade opportunities, Shagaya is driving innovation and growth in online retail and financial services across the continent As the leader of one of Nigeria’s most populous and economically significant states, Sanwo-Olu has been instrumental in fostering a conducive environment for tech innovation and growth. His policies and initiatives have positioned Lagos as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship in Africa.
Sanwo-Olu has been a strong advocate for digital transformation in Lagos, recognizing the potential of technology to drive economic development and improve the lives of its residents. Under his leadership, the state has seen significant investment in tech infrastructure, including the expansion of broadband access, the establishment of tech hubs and innovation centers, and the implementation of policies to support tech startups.
One of Sanwo-Olu’s key initiatives is the Lagos State Science Research and Innovation Council, which aims to promote research and innovation in science and technology. The council provides funding and support to tech startups, research institutions, and innovators, helping them develop and commercialize their ideas.
Sanwo-Olu has also been proactive in promoting digital skills development and education in Lagos. Through partnerships with tech companies and educational institutions, the state government has launched programs to train youth in coding, data science, and other tech-related skills, ensuring that the next generation is equipped to thrive in the digital economy.
In addition to his focus on tech infrastructure and skills development, Sanwo-Olu has been a champion of regulatory reforms to support the growth of the tech industry. He has worked to streamline business registration processes, reduce bureaucratic red tape, and create a more favorable regulatory environment for tech startups to operate in Lagos.
Overall, Sanwo-Olu’s leadership has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant tech ecosystem in Lagos and positioning the state as a leading destination for tech investment and innovation in Africa. His commitment to harnessing the power of technology for economic development and social progress is driving the digital transformation of Lagos and setting an example for other regions across the continent.
His administration focuses on building an environment where innovation thrives, using initiatives like the Lagos State Science and Technology Agency (LASTA) and the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to provide financial support and training for tech entrepreneurs.
Under his leadership, Lagos has seen major advancements in its tech landscape. Efforts include smart city projects, improved internet connectivity, simplified startup registration processes, and the establishment of innovation hubs. Collaborations with major players like Google and Microsoft have also boosted digital literacy programs, solidifying Lagos as a competitive destination for tech investments. These efforts have attracted interest from both local and global investors.
Sanwo-Olu has been instrumental in connecting international tech companies with local startups, creating opportunities for knowledge exchange and investment. This strategy has strengthened the region’s digital infrastructure and tech education while addressing key challenges in the ecosystem.
By focusing on reliable internet access, simplified regulations, and government-backed funding, his administration supports the long-term growth of Lagos’s tech sector. These measures have not only encouraged local startups but have also drawn international funding, further establishing Lagos as a leading tech hub in Africa.
Sanwo-Olu’s leadership demonstrates how government initiatives can work alongside private investment to drive tech innovation in Africa.
8. Samuel Mensah – Founder of KISUA
Samuel Mensah has made a mark in Africa’s tech investment scene by blending entrepreneurial know-how with a focus on digital retail. As the founder of KISUA, a fashion e-commerce platform, he has shown a sharp ability to tap into opportunities within Africa’s growing digital retail sector.
Mensah’s investment strategy zeroes in on early-stage startups in e-commerce and digital retail. Drawing from his own experiences, he targets businesses that cater to underserved consumer markets. The success of KISUA highlights his skill in building scalable platforms that connect African businesses with global markets, underlining his deep insight into local consumer trends.
Beyond investing, Mensah plays a dual role as both an investor and mentor in the African tech space. He helps startups create business models that are both resilient and suited to local conditions, while also scalable for international growth. His expertise in tackling regulatory and infrastructure challenges has proven especially valuable for ventures focused on logistics and payment systems across Africa.
Looking ahead to 2025, Mensah is prioritizing digital retail solutions that enable cross-border trade while addressing infrastructure gaps. His efforts align with infrastructure-focused investors like Eghosa Oriaikhi Mabhena, creating a well-rounded support network for African tech growth.
Mensah’s work highlights how African tech companies can meet local demands while seizing global opportunities. His focus on transforming digital retail continues to influence Africa’s e-commerce landscape and inspires others aiming to drive the continent’s digital evolution.
9. Jason Njoku – Founder of iROKO
Jason Njoku has played a major role in shaping Africa’s digital entertainment scene. As the founder of iROKO, he has led the way in bringing Nollywood productions to digital platforms while also building an impressive investment portfolio in Africa’s tech sector.
His investment approach focuses on startups in entertainment, media, and technology that use digital platforms to cater to African audiences. Njoku has successfully secured over $30 million in funding for iROKO from major investors like Tiger Global and Kinnevik, proving his ability to attract significant capital to African ventures.
In 2025, Njoku is concentrating on three main areas to drive Africa’s digital growth:
- Digital content production and streaming platforms, with a goal of producing more than 300 hours of content annually.
- Fintech solutions, focusing on payment systems and digital banking for the African market.
- E-commerce platforms, aimed at enabling seamless cross-border trade.
What makes Njoku’s work impactful is his ability to combine a deep understanding of local markets with a global vision. iROKO’s successful expansion into countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya highlights the potential for scaling digital platforms across Africa’s diverse markets.
Njoku also tackles challenges like infrastructure gaps and regulatory hurdles by backing startups that bring innovative solutions to Africa’s entertainment and digital media sectors. He looks for businesses that balance local market needs with the ability to scale globally, reinforcing his role as a major figure in Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Looking ahead to 2025, Njoku is sharpening his focus on startups that can navigate Africa’s unique challenges while building scalable solutions. His experience with digital platforms and tech-driven strategies cements his position as a leading force in advancing Africa’s entertainment and technology industries.
10. Sim Shagaya – Founder of Konga
Sim Shagaya has made a strong impact on Africa’s tech investment scene, focusing on early-stage startups in e-commerce, fintech, and digital services. During his time leading Konga, the company raised $25 million and reached a $200 million valuation before being acquired by Zinox Group in 2018.
Shagaya concentrates on areas like digital commerce, fintech, and digital infrastructure, aiming to improve financial access, cross-border trade, and supply chain processes. His deep understanding of Africa’s diverse markets plays a key role in shaping his investment strategies.
“Africa is not a country, it’s a continent. And in that continent, there are 54 different countries, each with its own unique characteristics.”
He views the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a major opportunity for startups to expand regionally by 2025. His approach focuses on businesses that can tap into this agreement to grow across various African markets.
More than just providing funding, Shagaya mentors startups, pushes for policy changes, and uses his experience with Konga to guide the growth of the tech ecosystem.
With his hands-on involvement and market expertise, Shagaya has solidified his role as a key player in African tech investment. His unique approach combines cutting-edge technology with practical market knowledge to drive progress and innovation in the digital landscape. Through strategic investments and mentorship, he is actively shaping Africa’s digital economy and supporting its ongoing growth.
In the ever-evolving African tech investment scene of 2025, Shagaya stands out as a dedicated investor who is making a significant impact. His focus on areas such as fintech, healthtech, and digital commerce has led to the growth and success of numerous portfolio companies that are addressing pressing issues across the continent. By scaling startups and addressing challenges like infrastructure gaps, Shagaya and other key investors are playing a crucial role in advancing Africa’s tech ecosystem.
One of the key strengths of Shagaya and his fellow investors is their ability to blend global expertise with local market insights. This approach has proven to be highly effective in helping startups overcome hurdles such as infrastructure and regulatory issues, while also connecting local innovation with global opportunities. By fostering this connection, these investors are driving progress, encouraging entrepreneurship, and creating lasting impact in the tech industry across Africa.
In addition to individual efforts, programs like the African Development Bank’s Boost Africa initiative and the Africa Business Angel Network are further supporting the upward trend in tech investment on the continent. Entrepreneurs looking to connect with investors like Shagaya can benefit from participating in industry events, utilizing platforms like the Africa Business Angel Network, and staying informed through relevant publications and social media channels.
As Africa’s tech ecosystem continues to mature, investors like Shagaya are paving the way for a thriving digital future. Their collective efforts are not only helping individual startups succeed but are also reshaping the wider tech economy across Africa. By driving progress, encouraging innovation, and creating opportunities for growth, these investors are playing a vital role in shaping the digital landscape of the continent for years to come. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a global pandemic, urging countries to take immediate and aggressive action to contain the spread of the virus. With cases continuing to rise in numerous countries around the world, governments are implementing various measures to protect their citizens and healthcare systems.
One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the virus is through social distancing. This involves avoiding close contact with others and staying at least six feet away from people who are not part of your household. By limiting the number of people you come into contact with, you can reduce the risk of contracting or spreading the virus.
Many countries have implemented lockdown measures, requiring people to stay at home except for essential activities such as grocery shopping or seeking medical care. Non-essential businesses have been forced to close, and events and gatherings have been canceled or postponed. These measures are aimed at reducing the spread of the virus and preventing healthcare systems from becoming overwhelmed.
In addition to social distancing, proper hygiene practices are crucial in preventing the spread of COVID-19. This includes washing your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, and avoiding touching your face with unwashed hands. It is also important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing, and to stay home if you are feeling unwell.
Healthcare workers are on the frontlines of the pandemic, risking their own health to care for those who are sick. It is essential that they have the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect themselves and prevent the spread of the virus. Governments and healthcare organizations must prioritize the safety of healthcare workers and ensure they have access to the resources they need to do their jobs effectively.
Testing for COVID-19 is also critical in identifying and isolating cases to prevent further transmission of the virus. Governments are working to increase testing capacity and make testing more widely available to the public. Contact tracing is another important tool in controlling the spread of the virus, as it helps identify and quarantine individuals who may have been exposed to COVID-19.
As the pandemic continues to evolve, it is important for individuals to stay informed and follow the guidelines set forth by health authorities. By working together and taking collective action, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect the most vulnerable members of our communities. It is crucial that we all do our part to flatten the curve and overcome this global crisis.
