853 Top startups in Eastern Africa for April 2025

We rank M-kopa, Kilimall and Cytonn Investments in Eastern Africa along with 850 other startups based on an algorithm that scores startups based on total investment, employee count, and quarterly website traffic. The leading startup ecosystem in Eastern Africa is Mauritius accounting for 0% of all startups in the region.

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Top Unicorn Startups in Eastern Africa for 2025

KuCoin is the only unicorn in Eastern Africa raising more than USD 10B. It is the undefined ranked unicorn in Eastern Africa.
SB Score:667

With over 700 digital assets available, this global cryptocurrency exchange offers Spot, Margin, P2P fiat, and Futures trading, as well as staking and lending services to its 27 million users worldwide. Join a community spanning 207 countries and regions for a seamless trading experience.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

City Rank (Victoria)

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National Rank (Seychelles)

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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Total amount:1

Best Startups in Eastern Africa for 2025

SB Score:609

M-kopa offers affordable asset financing for solar technology and other life-changing products to low-income households. Their clean-energy solutions help improve lives and provide access to essential resources for those in need.

Industry:
Energy & Environment
Subindustry:
Clean Energy

City Rank (Nairobi)

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National Rank (Kenya)

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SB Score:592

Kilimall is a premier online marketplace in Kenya, designed to streamline shopping for Kenyans. It provides a seamless and enriching shopping experience, ensuring that customers can easily browse and purchase products, which are then delivered directly to their doorstep.

Industry:
Ecommerce & Retail
Subindustry:
Ecommerce & Retail-Other

City Rank (Machakos)

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National Rank (Kenya)

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SB Score:526

Cytonn Investments is a dynamic investment and real estate firm, offering innovative solutions for clients seeking to grow their wealth and invest in property. With a focus on quality and client satisfaction, Cytonn is committed to delivering exceptional results in the financial and real estate sectors.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Investment

City Rank (Nairobi)

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National Rank (Kenya)

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SB Score:518

Wasoko revolutionizes small shop connectivity to the digital economy, boosting sales and market reach in emerging markets. Access essential goods and services effortlessly.

Industry:
Ecommerce & Retail
Subindustry:
Consumer Goods

City Rank (Nairobi)

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National Rank (Kenya)

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SB Score:492

Workpay is a Payroll, Benefits, Compliance software company with embedded finance for local and remote teams in Africa. We empower teams to hire local and remote teams across Africa while staying compliant and without the hustle of having local entities.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

City Rank (Nairobi)

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National Rank (Kenya)

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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SB Score:491

Twiga is a mobile-based supply platform for Africa’s retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls. The company is using a mobile-based, cashless, business-to-business (B2B) supply platform to access distribution into the millions of small and medium-sized vendors in African urban markets. Founded in 2013, Twiga is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Industry:
Foodtech
Subindustry:
Agtech

City Rank (Nairobi)

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National Rank (Kenya)

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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SB Score:489

Cellulant, a prominent multinational payments company in Africa, is dedicated to revolutionizing digital payments for the continent's major economies.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

City Rank (Nairobi)

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National Rank (Kenya)

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SB Score:484

MYDAWA is a convenient and affordable mobile service offering a variety of high-quality medication and wellness products. Simply shop from your phone for all your healthcare needs with ease.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Apps

City Rank (Nairobi)

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National Rank (Kenya)

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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SB Score:478

Victory Farms is an innovative aquaculture facility specializing in tilapia fish farming. It features state-of-the-art hatcheries, nursery ponds, and deep-water cages, ensuring sustainable production and high-quality fish. By combining advanced techniques with responsible practices, Victory Farms is committed to meeting the growing demand for healthy seafood.

Industry:
Foodtech
Subindustry:
Agtech

City Rank (Nairobi)

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National Rank (Kenya)

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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SB Score:476

Poa! offers affordable internet to individuals and small businesses in low-income East African neighborhoods. With data 40% cheaper than network operators, free content, and online services, poa! provides reliable connectivity to empower communities.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Software and Data-Other

City Rank (Nairobi)

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National Rank (Kenya)

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11th

Zeraki
SB Score:473

Zeraki leverages technology to overcome barriers to quality education, empowering learners to access essential resources seamlessly. By providing innovative solutions tailored to diverse educational needs, Zeraki enhances the learning experience and promotes equitable opportunities for all students.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Enterprise Technology

City Rank (Nairobi)

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National Rank (Kenya)

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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Total amount:858

Top 158 Fintech Startups in Eastern Africa for 2025

The top three Fintech startups in Eastern Africa have raised more than USD 151M. The top three cities in the Eastern Africa for Fintech startups are Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Victoria.
SB Score:526

Cytonn Investments is a dynamic investment and real estate firm, offering innovative solutions for clients seeking to grow their wealth and invest in property. With a focus on quality and client satisfaction, Cytonn is committed to delivering exceptional results in the financial and real estate sectors.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Investment

City Rank (Nairobi)

0

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National Rank (Kenya)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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SB Score:492

Workpay is a Payroll, Benefits, Compliance software company with embedded finance for local and remote teams in Africa. We empower teams to hire local and remote teams across Africa while staying compliant and without the hustle of having local entities.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

City Rank (Nairobi)

0

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National Rank (Kenya)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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SB Score:489

Cellulant, a prominent multinational payments company in Africa, is dedicated to revolutionizing digital payments for the continent's major economies.

Industry:
Fintech
Subindustry:
Financial Services

City Rank (Nairobi)

0

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National Rank (Kenya)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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Total amount:158

Top 213 Software & Data Startups in Eastern Africa for 2025

The top three Software & Data startups in Eastern Africa have raised more than USD 280M. The top three cities in the Eastern Africa for Software & Data startups are Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Victoria.
SB Score:484

MYDAWA is a convenient and affordable mobile service offering a variety of high-quality medication and wellness products. Simply shop from your phone for all your healthcare needs with ease.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Apps

City Rank (Nairobi)

0

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National Rank (Kenya)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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SB Score:476

Poa! offers affordable internet to individuals and small businesses in low-income East African neighborhoods. With data 40% cheaper than network operators, free content, and online services, poa! provides reliable connectivity to empower communities.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Software and Data-Other

City Rank (Nairobi)

0

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National Rank (Kenya)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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SB Score:473

Zeraki leverages technology to overcome barriers to quality education, empowering learners to access essential resources seamlessly. By providing innovative solutions tailored to diverse educational needs, Zeraki enhances the learning experience and promotes equitable opportunities for all students.

Industry:
Software & Data
Subindustry:
Enterprise Technology

City Rank (Nairobi)

0

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National Rank (Kenya)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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Total amount:213

Top 98 Ecommerce & Retail Startups in Eastern Africa for 2025

The top three Ecommerce & Retail startups in Eastern Africa have raised more than USD 431M. The top three cities in the Eastern Africa for Ecommerce & Retail startups are Nairobi, Addis Ababa and Victoria.
SB Score:592

Kilimall is a premier online marketplace in Kenya, designed to streamline shopping for Kenyans. It provides a seamless and enriching shopping experience, ensuring that customers can easily browse and purchase products, which are then delivered directly to their doorstep.

Industry:
Ecommerce & Retail
Subindustry:
Ecommerce & Retail-Other

City Rank (Machakos)

0

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National Rank (Kenya)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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SB Score:518

Wasoko revolutionizes small shop connectivity to the digital economy, boosting sales and market reach in emerging markets. Access essential goods and services effortlessly.

Industry:
Ecommerce & Retail
Subindustry:
Consumer Goods

City Rank (Nairobi)

0

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National Rank (Kenya)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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SB Score:442

MoKo Home + Living, founded in 2014 in Nairobi, Kenya, specializes in crafting and selling high-quality home furniture. With a focus on design and functionality, the company offers a range of products to elevate any living space.

Industry:
Ecommerce & Retail
Subindustry:
Proptech

City Rank (Nairobi)

0

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National Rank (Kenya)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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Total amount:98

Most Funded Startups in Eastern Africa for 2025

The top three most funded startups in Eastern Africa have raised total funding of more than USD 1.27B. M-kopa has 1.70% more funding than Wasoko.
SB Score:609

M-kopa offers affordable asset financing for solar technology and other life-changing products to low-income households. Their clean-energy solutions help improve lives and provide access to essential resources for those in need.

Industry:
Energy & Environment
Subindustry:
Clean Energy

City Rank (Nairobi)

0

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National Rank (Kenya)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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SB Score:518

Wasoko revolutionizes small shop connectivity to the digital economy, boosting sales and market reach in emerging markets. Access essential goods and services effortlessly.

Industry:
Ecommerce & Retail
Subindustry:
Consumer Goods

City Rank (Nairobi)

0

View

National Rank (Kenya)

0

View

Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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SB Score:491

Twiga is a mobile-based supply platform for Africa’s retail outlets, kiosks, and market stalls. The company is using a mobile-based, cashless, business-to-business (B2B) supply platform to access distribution into the millions of small and medium-sized vendors in African urban markets. Founded in 2013, Twiga is based in Nairobi, Kenya.

Industry:
Foodtech
Subindustry:
Agtech

City Rank (Nairobi)

0

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National Rank (Kenya)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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Total amount:858

Top Hiring Startups in Eastern Africa by Employee Number

The top three hiring startups in Eastern Africa have an median employee size that is between [1001-5000]
SB Score:609

M-kopa offers affordable asset financing for solar technology and other life-changing products to low-income households. Their clean-energy solutions help improve lives and provide access to essential resources for those in need.

Industry:
Energy & Environment
Subindustry:
Clean Energy

City Rank (Nairobi)

0

View

National Rank (Kenya)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

Browse
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SB Score:518

Wasoko revolutionizes small shop connectivity to the digital economy, boosting sales and market reach in emerging markets. Access essential goods and services effortlessly.

Industry:
Ecommerce & Retail
Subindustry:
Consumer Goods

City Rank (Nairobi)

0

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National Rank (Kenya)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

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SB Score:393

EthioChicken is a leading poultry producer in East Africa, specializing in high-quality chicken products. Their innovative approach ensures sustainable farming practices and top-notch customer satisfaction. Join EthioChicken in their mission to provide fresh, delicious poultry to the region.

Industry:
Foodtech
Subindustry:
Agtech

City Rank (Addis Ababa)

0

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National Rank (Ethiopia)

0

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Global Rank (WorldWide)

0

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Total amount:853

Best Countries for Startups

StartupBlink ranks the startup ecosystems of more than 100 countries and 1,000 cities. Download our latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
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Global RankCountry
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Total Score

Access subscores for 1000 cities and 100 countries

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Quantity Score
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Quality Score
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Business Score
1st
0
United States
215.001
00.00
00.00
00.00
2nd
0
United Kingdom
55.995
00.00
00.00
00.00
3rd
0
Israel
51.557
00.00
00.00
00.00
4th
0
Canada
38.254
00.00
00.00
00.00
5th
+
1
Singapore
37.736
00.00
00.00
00.00
6th
-
1
Sweden
27.024
00.00
00.00
00.00
7th
0
Germany
25.830
00.00
00.00
00.00
8th
0
France
24.894
00.00
00.00
00.00
9th
+
1
The Netherlands
24.462
00.00
00.00
00.00
10th
+
1
Switzerland
24.081
00.00
00.00
00.00
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