Victor Olaniyan

African startups raised $887 million across 84 deals between January and April 2026, per TC Insights, up from $803 million in the same window of 2025, but across fewer than half as many deals. Last year recorded 173. Debt led the latest rounds, with equity coming a close second. In what seems like a continuation of 2025, investors are writing fewer cheques, and only to companies with strong traction, retention, and solid unit economics.

Roughly three weeks ago, the Landmark Centre in Victoria Island, Lagos, was abuzz with energy and innovation on June 18–19, 2025, as thousands gathered for the second edition of the Lagos Startup Expo — Techpoint Africa’s flagship event spotlighting Africa’s fast-growing startup ecosystem. This year’s edition, powered by Haisic Nigeria, brought together founders, investors, professionals, and tech enthusiasts from across the continent.

The countdown is on! Lagos Startup Expo 2.0 by Techpoint Africa is set to take over Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, from June 18 to 19, 2025. Whether you’re a founder, investor, tech enthusiast, or startup supporter, this event is built to connect you with the people, ideas, and opportunities shaping Africa’s innovation economy. Here’s everything you need to know before stepping through the doors of the expo, which starts at 9:00 AM on Wednesday.