20 African startups to watch in 2026
From logistics and fintech to AI and climate tech, these African startups are tackling real problems and shaping the continent’s next wave of innovation.
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Despite persistent structural challenges, from limited infrastructure to regulatory bottlenecks, African entrepreneurs continue to harness technology to build businesses that solve real problems, improve service delivery, and create jobs for the continent’s rapidly growing population.<br />
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For this inaugural Startups to Watch list, Techpoint Africa spoke with founders, investors, and ecosystem operators to identify the young companies shaping the next wave of innovation across the continent. <br />
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The list spotlights early-stage startups — mostly under two years old — operating across a wide range of sectors and showing strong potential for impact in 2026.<br />
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Here’s Techpoint Africa’s curated list of startups to watch in 2026.<br />
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1. Gowagr — Nigeria<br />
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Gowagr is Nigeria’s take on Polymarket, aiming to redefine prediction markets and move beyond the stereotype of gambling. With nearly 200,000 users in just two years, the startup is changing the way people view and participate in prediction markets. <br />
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On the platform, users can bet on a wide range of events, from sports and entertainment to politics, creating a dynamic and interactive experience. But Gowagr doesn’t stop there. The platform also powers esports and fantasy gaming competitions, expanding its reach and offering even more opportunities for users to engage with their favourite games and events. <br />
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2. Partyverse — Nigeria<br />
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Nigerians are passionate about events, but planning them can be a daunting task. Partyverse aims to simplify the process by offering a seamless platform for discovering, planning, and managing various types of events. <br />
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Launched less than a year ago, the startup has already secured a key partnership with PiggyVest and raised an undisclosed amount of funding from Zrosk. Beyond event management, Partyverse enhances the experience by allowing users to capture and share memorable moments, making every event unforgettable.<br />
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3. LevvyBox — Nigeria<br />
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