New report shows that since the beginning of 2021, Africa-based tech startups have raised more than $2.9 billion with Nigerian startups which are creating new products, services, and platforms raising $1.7 billion of this total or about 60% of it.
According to business consultant and venture capitalist Maxime Bayen’s business database Africa report, otherwise known as the Big Deal, Africa boasts a total of seven tech “unicorns,” or companies valued at over $1 billion.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Berth Leonard, in her remarks at the 2021 Nigeria Tech Summit organised by US Embassy in Nigeria, Abuja said the US Mission will continue to do its part to support Nigeria’s burgeoning tech scene and encourage the creation of the 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.
Leonard said it is very exciting to note that three of these of seven African tech companies – OPay, Flutterwave, and Interswitch – are born and bred of Nigerian talent as she firmly believes that Nigeria, with the proper support, has enormous potential to do even more.
According to Leonard: “At the US Mission in Nigeria, we pride ourselves on building, celebrating, and accelerating entrepreneurship. Throughout the year we amplify the work of innovation stakeholders by providing exposure, partnerships, training, and conferences like this Nigeria Tech Summit.
Speaking further, Leonard said science, technology, and innovation are cornerstones of the US economy, and the United States has long-established global expertise and leadership in the digital space.
“Strengthening these areas can foster open, transparent governance throughout the world. By implementing capacity-building programs in emerging markets that train young women and men to become science and technology entrepreneurs.
“Our efforts to strengthen innovation ecosystems around the world have real economic impacts and propel prosperity in Nigeria, the United States, and beyond.” Leonard said.
