Why Launch Africa keeps writing early-stage cheques despite market slowdown

At the start of 2026, Africa’s startup funding market appeared to be on firmer footing. Startups across the continent raised $711 million in the first quarter, up roughly 27% from the same period a year earlier, suggesting the recovery that began in 2025 was gathering pace.

Beneath the headline features, however, the picture was less encouraging. The number of deals worth between $100,000…