60% African Tech Funding Secured By Nigeria Start-ups – US

Speaking at the Nigeria Tech Summit in Abuja, the U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, said African start-ups raised about $2.9 billion in total, whereas Nigerian based companies raised $1.7 billion.

In her words, “Africa-based tech start-ups have raised more than $2.9 billion while Nigerian start-ups, which are have been creating new products, services, and platforms, have raised $1.7 billion of this total or about 60% of it.

“I find it very exciting to note that three of these companies — OPay, Flutterwave, and Interswitch – are born and bred of Nigerian talent. We firmly believe that Nigeria, with the proper support, has enormous potential to do even more.”

The ambassador also reiterated the US’ commitment to accelerating Nigeria’s budding technology and innovation space.

In her words, “the U.S. Mission will continue to do its part to support Nigeria’s burgeoning tech scene and encourage the creation of enabling environment necessary to foster a sector that will, in turn, launch still more global businesses and contribute to a more prosperous future for all its citizens.

“I also want you to know that our commitment and support to such key populations within Nigeria was not hindered by the pandemic.”