Google has launched the Google for Startups Accelerator programme in Africa for 2025. 
Focusing on AI-driven solutions, it targets start-ups from Seed to Series A funding stages. 
Participants receive free Google Cloud credits and expert coaching without giving up equity. 
The programme has supported over 140 businesses, creating over 3,000 jobs since 2018. 
These initiatives are key drivers of innovation and economic growth across the continent.

Antler MENAP LP received $3 million from ISSF to support Jordanian startups. 
With a $60 million fund, they aim to boost early-stage investments across the region. 
Antler&#8217;s global reach and expertise promise significant growth for Jordan&#8217;s entrepreneurial scene. 
The partnership aims to transform ideas into successful, scalable businesses with robust support. 
Jordan&#8217;s startup ecosystem is buzzing with anticipation for this promising collaboration.

Rise of Fearless seeks $700,000 to expand their mobile game and integrate blockchain technology. 
The funds will enhance gameplay, allowing players to own digital assets through decentralised tech. 
Built around African culture, the game aims to educate and entertain with local history. 
Africa&#8217;s gaming market is rapidly growing, projected to reach $3,72 billion by 2029. 
Blockchain gaming offers new financial opportunities, especially in regions with limited banking access.

Fuze received a Retail Payment Services and Card Schemes licence from the UAE Central Bank. 
This licence boosts Fuze&#8217;s capabilities in digital and AI-enhanced payment solutions. 
The move aligns with the UAE&#8217;s strategy to increase the digital economy&#8217;s GDP contribution. 
Fuze aims to be a leader in offering flexible, user-friendly, and compliant payment services. 
Despite its recent founding, Fuze is recognized as a &#8216;Future 100&#8217; company in the region.

UGFS-VC launches New Era Fund I in Tunisia with €7 million to boost start-ups. 
Key support comes from ANAVA Fund of Funds, including €3.5 million from international backers. 
The fund targets investments in AI, biotech, and green tech within Tunisia’s innovation economy. 
UGFS-VC&#8217;s strong track record aligns well with ANAVA&#8217;s strategy to empower local venture capital. 
ANAVA aims to raise €100 million, broadening its impact across Tunisia and North Africa.

Bekia is digitising recycling in Cairo, swapping waste for rewards since 2017. 
Founded by Alaa Afifi, it offers exchanges of waste for perks via app or website. 
The platform empowers women to manage waste effectively, engaging over 75,000 users. 
Bekia has raised $580,000 to extend services to underserved areas and promote recycling. 
By partnering with schools and agencies, Bekia aims to boost sustainable practices across Egypt.

Presight partners with MBZUAI to boost AI startups and entrepreneurship in the UAE. 
The collaboration offers startups technical support, while providing students with training and job opportunities. 
MBZUAI experts will deliver technical consulting and organise networking events to foster innovation. 
This initiative aims to strengthen Abu Dhabi&#8217;s reputation as a global hub for AI innovation. 
It aligns with the UAE&#8217;s National AI Strategy for 2031, advancing the country&#8217;s AI sector ambitions.

Metric, a UAE fintech company, secures a significant seven-figure seed funding round. 
This funding will boost AI-driven finance solutions and expand services across the Gulf and Asia. 
Metric&#8217;s marketplace offers financial tools like business debit cards to SMEs. 
Their AI assistant &#8220;Max&#8221; provides tailored financial guidance as a virtual advisor. 
Metric aims to grow in the Middle East, North Africa, Afghanistan, and Pakistan markets.

ViAct secured $7,3 million in Series A funding led by Venturewave Capital. 
Funding will enhance AI models for predicting risks in high-safety sectors like construction. 
Expansion plans include entering Saudi Arabia&#8217;s growing tech-savvy construction market. 
Additional recruitment in AI, engineering, and sustainability will support this growth. 
The investment will upgrade technology for better workplace safety and sustainability initiatives.

BridgeWise, an AI-driven investment platform, has expanded to the Middle East. 
They secured an operating licence from the Dubai International Financial Centre. 
Emirates NBD bank invested in their Series A funding, boosting their expansion. 
BridgeWise&#8217;s AI provides clear explanations to help users make better financial decisions. 
Dubai&#8217;s position as a financial innovation hub supports BridgeWise&#8217;s ambitious growth plans.

Comfi has partnered with Wafeq to integrate invoice financing for UAE small businesses. 
Wafeq users can access up to AED 2 million in liquidity without disrupting business processes. 
Comfi committed $5 million for invoice financing on Wafeq&#8217;s platform to support UAE SMEs. 
Future plans include &#8220;Pay Later&#8221; options, enabling clients to buy on credit risk-free. 
The partnership simplifies financial operations, easing cash flow challenges for SMEs.

Arab National Bank (anb) has launched its first FinTech accelerator programme in Saudi Arabia. 
Partnering with Plug and Play, anb aims to nurture startups with mentorship and funding. 
This aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to enhance its financial technology sector. 
The initiative supports start-ups, empowering them to scale up in a competitive global market. 
Exciting success stories are anticipated from this accelerator, transforming the financial landscape.

Moroccan startup VOVE ID gains fresh funding from the Baobab Network to aid expansion. 
The investment supports growth plans in the Middle East and Africa, enhancing its team and technology. 
VOVE ID offers AI-powered identity verification tools for streamlined and compliant client onboarding. 
Their &#8220;pay-as-you-go&#8221; model makes high-quality KYC services accessible to startups and SMEs. 
This innovation aids both VOVE ID&#8217;s growth and empowers small businesses with advanced security.

ITHCA Group and Yango have acquired the Omani ride-hailing app, Otaxi. 
Otaxi, launched in 2018, modernised taxi services with an easy-to-use app. 
Yango, part of Russia&#8217;s Yandex, has a strong global ride-sharing presence. 
The acquisition aims to extend Otaxi&#8217;s market reach in a rapidly growing sector. 
This move reflects increasing global investment in Gulf region start-ups.

Visa has invested in fintech startups Konnect and PayTic after their accelerator programme participation. 
Konnect, from Tunisia, offers instant payment solutions with shareable links via popular apps. 
PayTic, a Moroccan firm, enhances back-end payment operations and risk management. 
Visa&#8217;s accelerator scheme supports African fintech growth, including some female-led companies. 
The company plans to invest $1 billion in Africa&#8217;s digital future by 2027.

Kilow, a Saudi health tech startup, has launched an Arabic-language app for weight loss. 
Founded by Fahed Al Essa, the app focuses on health tracking, coaching, and medical support. 
Kilow&#8217;s platform is tailored to Saudi cultural habits, offering practical and sensible solutions. 
The service includes initial free medical consultations and personalised monthly plans. 
Future plans include AI-driven features and regional expansion beyond Saudi Arabia.

The Aurora Tech Awards 2025 celebrated innovative women-led startups in Cairo. 
Over 2,000 teams applied from 116 countries, narrowing down to ten finalists. 
Founders pitched to investors, offering cash prizes and vital networking opportunities. 
Local support grew as inDrive partnered with Entlaq for nurturing startups. 
Top prize went to Nigeria&#8217;s Solape Akinpelu for HerVest, promoting financial inclusion for women.

Flat6Labs and Tamwilcom are joining forces to boost startup growth in Morocco. 
The partnership, supported by IFC, offers mentorship, technical guidance, and funding to young businesses. 
Strategic sectors targeted include agri-tech, fintech, digital health, AI, and green-tech. 
The initiative aims to build strong business models and attract investor confidence. 
This collaboration enhances Morocco’s investment climate and supports private sector innovation.

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AWS partners with Manara to launch a regional tech training initiative.
$3,6 million will be invested over the next two years.
2,500 software engineers across MENA will be trained in cloud and AI skills.
Participants will receive AWS certifications, mentorship, and career support.
The goal is to bridge the tech skills gap and drive digital innovation in the region.
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HRA Experience secured a €35 million investment from an Abu Dhabi-based private investor. 
The funding supports the launch of platforms like HRA Airlines and HRA Exchange. 
CEO Adem Kiraz sees the investment as validation of HRA&#8217;s globally relevant vision. 
HRA aims to revolutionise travel and spending, particularly for crypto enthusiasts. 
Their platforms blend blockchain with real-world travel, enhancing accessibility and simplicity.

Majid Al Futtaim is investing approximately $293 million in a new development in West Cairo. 
The project includes thirteen buildings, a hotel, and serviced hotel apartments in 6th of October City. 
Expected returns are over 30%, with sales projected to start by 2030. 
Majid Al Futtaim&#8217;s total investments in Egypt now approach $2,5 billion. 
This development showcases their confidence in Egypt&#8217;s economic potential and commitment to the region.

BKN301 secured $23,8 million to accelerate global expansion, especially into the UAE and Saudi Arabia. 
Investors like CDP Venture Capital SGR and Azimut Libera Impresa SGR participated in the funding. 
CEO Stefano Mucchioli sees this as investor confidence in their scalable business model. 
The fintech aims for a 36% CAGR in EBITDA by 2028, focusing on digital payment solutions. 
BKN301&#8217;s &#8220;BaaS Orchestrator&#8221; offers services like payment processing and AI-driven open banking.

AIREV secured investment from Venturewave Capital during its recent Series A funding round. 
The funds will aid the global expansion of AIREV&#8217;s AI operating system, On-Demand. 
On-Demand allows users to craft AI applications using large language models and various tools. 
AIREV collaborates with industry giants like G42, Panchea, and AIdeology. 
The startup also developed School Hack, an AI educational platform popular with students.

Sadeq, specialising in digital signatures, raised 5,5 million Saudi Riyals. 
The funding was led by Fund X by Unifonic, with strategic investment from Unifonic. 
Co-founder Salem Al-Badawi noted it will enhance their technical infrastructure and scale the platform. 
Sadeq is set to incorporate advanced technologies, ensuring it remains ahead in digital authentication. 
The investment indicates confidence in Sadeq’s vision and the attractiveness of digital solutions in Saudi Arabia.

Seesaw has acquired Jordan-based edtech start-up Little Thinking Minds to enhance Arabic literacy education. 
Little Thinking Minds provides Arabic literacy programmes across 3,000 schools in Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. 
Seesaw aims to integrate its interactive tech with Little Thinking Minds&#8217; curricula for global learning experiences. 
The partnership will focus on multilingual education, notably advancing Arabic and English literacy. 
Together, they aim to improve learning outcomes and expand quality educational content in the MENA region.

MENA Startups