Better Auth, the open-source authentication tool built by Ethiopian solo founder Bereket Engida, has raised $5 million in seed funding. The startup plans to scale its infrastructure, enhance its developer tools, and bring African deep tech into global relevance.
The Federal Government has launched a ₦100,000 inventory loan scheme through CREDICORP, targeting 10,000 market women in 224 markets across Nigeria. This initiative aims to empower women traders and strengthen Nigeria’s informal economy through affordable credit.
Visa and Absa are calling on women entrepreneurs in South Africa to apply for the She’s Next programme, a flagship initiative providing funding, mentorship, and business training to help women-led ventures grow and thrive.
Cutstruct has raised $1.5 million in seed funding to scale its digital procurement platform, improve logistics, and drive efficiency in Nigeria’s construction sector.
PaidHR, a Nigerian startup revolutionizing HR management, has raised $1.8 million in seed funding led by Accion Venture Lab. The company plans to expand its market reach, develop new products, and strengthen customer support.
Solar startup Wetility raises R500 million to expand affordable solar access across South Africa, helping homes and businesses break free from energy insecurity.
Salpha Energy has secured $1.3 million from All On to scale its locally built solar solutions in Nigeria. The female-led company is driving clean energy, job creation, and local manufacturing to close Africa’s energy access gap.
The African Development Bank has approved $184.1 million to support Egypt’s 1GW Obelisk Solar Project, reinforcing the country’s clean energy transition. The project, which includes battery storage, is expected to generate 2,772 GWh of clean electricity annually and create over 4,000 jobs.
Collab Capital has secured $75 million for its second fund, expanding its mission to back early-stage startups transforming work, healthcare, and community systems. The firm’s strategy combines capital with deep, hands-on support to create meaningful impact and long-term growth.
Against global economic headwinds, Nigerian startups defied the odds, securing over $100 million in Q1 2025. Fintech led the charge, but clean energy and agritech also saw major wins. Here's a breakdown of the top 10 deals and what they signal for the startup ecosystem.