Angola: The Rise of a Startup Hub in Central Africa
Angola, often overshadowed by tech giants like Nigeria and Kenya, has quietly carved its niche as the leading startup hub in Central Africa. While much of the continent’s tech narrative centers around significant funding rounds in countries like Nigeria or the emergence of unicorns in Kenya, Angola has managed to rise without the spotlight of mega-funding.
According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025, Angola has surpassed its regional peers, ranking first among countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. What is the driving force behind this surprising ascent? It comes down to grounded founders who are focused on building practical and sustainable businesses rather than chasing flashy pitches and unrealistic valuations.
Practical Innovations Driving Growth
The leading companies in Angola showcase this pragmatic approach. Tupuca, a versatile delivery app, Jobartis, a robust job-matching platform, and Mamboo, a pioneering marketing tool, exemplify how homegrown solutions have garnered attention and traction without needing extensive financial backing. Together, these companies have outperformed many heavily funded startups across Africa.
Jobartis: A Case Study in Sustainability
One standout in the Angolan startup scene is Jobartis. Founded in 2013 as a simple job board, it has transformed into a multi-country employment platform that spans five nations, including Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, and Zambia. Remarkably, Jobartis achieved this expansion without announcing any major Series A funding, proving that a focused approach can yield results in competitive markets.
Diverse Sectors, Strong Performers
Angola’s startup landscape is diverse, with companies thriving across various sectors. In real estate, AngoCasa attracts over a million visitors each month, showcasing a growing interest in property listings. Meanwhile, AngoCarro, an automotive listings site, features more than 1,000 active advertisement listings, connecting buyers and sellers in a thriving market.
In the fintech realm, BODIVA manages Angola’s capital market infrastructure under stringent government supervision, while PayPay Africa enables QR-code payments, emphasizing essential financial services over speculative ventures. This focus on foundational financial systems is indicative of a mature ecosystem attuned to local needs.
Health Tech Innovations
The health sector in Angola is also witnessing innovation, with Appy Saúde providing vital health information through mobile applications. Further supporting underserved communities, AKROS is dedicated to building data systems that address logistical challenges many Angolans face in accessing healthcare. These efforts, while not vying for Silicon Valley attention, address critical requirements for populations often overlooked.
Overcoming Challenges
Despite its achievements, Angola’s journey is noteworthy, especially given its dependence on oil, infrastructure challenges, and limited venture capital inflows. The country now ranks 108th globally in the Startup Ecosystem Index—a significant accomplishment when considering the hurdles involved.
Conclusion
The story of Angola’s burgeoning startup scene shines a light on an alternative narrative in tech. It highlights how the real triumphs come from startups that are committed to solving everyday problems in challenging markets. By focusing on practicality, sustainability, and the real needs of their communities, Angolan founders are crafting a unique path that serves as a counterbalance to the prevailing narratives about tech in Africa.
About the Author
Folake Balogun is a prominent tech journalist providing incisive analysis of Africa’s rapidly growing digital landscape, particularly within Nigeria. She diligently tracks the health of the African startup ecosystem, covering vital venture capital trends, investment deals, and the challenges emerging firms face. Renowned for her thorough exploration of the fintech sector, Folake illuminates the progression of digital payments, explores major financial innovations, and extends her insights to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI).
