African Startups to Watch in 2027

Top African Startups to Watch in 2027 are gaining attention for their new ideas, growing businesses, and practical solutions to everyday problems. Whether it is in the fields of Fintech, Health, Agriculture, AI or Clean Energy, many of these companies are developing services that can help meet the needs of the local populations. With more businesses and investment looking to Africa, there are plenty of startups to take note of.

The most promising African startups to watch out for in 2027 are Terra Industries, PawaPay, Remedial Health, WorkPay, Complete Farmer, Deaftronics, Oye, Jem, SafeSip, and Black Swan. These startups operate within various industries such as technology, finance, health, agriculture and consumer. They each offer new products and services to aid with issues within their particular markets. This shows that there are many creative business ideas being brought into Africa.

Africa's growing role in entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology

Africa is increasingly becoming a hotspot for new business, innovation and technology. Entrepreneurs across the continent are creating companies designed to meet every day needs such as financial, health and agricultural sectors. Improving accessibility of technology, increasing customer requirements and interest from investors are providing more opportunities to startups. Therefore Africa is receiving attention as it is becoming a growing hub for entrepreneurs and innovators.

Key industries driving startup innovation across Africa

African startups are taking off in many sectors including fintech, health, agriculture, education and clean energy. Many of these startups are providing technology-based solutions which simplify, speed up and reduce the cost of services we use daily. Whether it's a digital payments platform, telehealth service, farming tech or assistive aids, these companies are attempting to solve issues within their local communities. This is giving rise to innovative business opportunities and jobs throughout Africa.

Top African Startups to Watch in 2027

Terra Industries

Founded: 2024 | Industry: Defense Technology | Headquarters: Nigeria

Terra Industries is one of the startups ranked in Business Honor's Top African Startups to Watch in 2027. The Nigerian-based startup specializes in developing surveillance drones, watchtowers and autonomous ground vehicles to secure critical infrastructure. This includes oil pipelines, mines and power facilities. These are all connected via Terra Industries' own operating system called ArtemisOS. The ArtemisOS allows for intelligent mission planning and threat detection.

PawaPay

Founded: 2020 | Industry: Payments Infrastructure | Headquarters: Pan-Africa

PawaPay is one of the Top African Startups to Watch. It helps businesses accept mobile money payments across around 20 African markets through a single integration. Processing over 5 million transactions daily and becoming profitable in 2023 strengthen its position among emerging startups in Africa

Remedial Health

Founded: 2021 | Industry: Health Technology | Headquarters: Nigeria

Remedial Health is a Nigerian healthcare technology company that enables pharmacies and medication vendors to source authentic medications by connecting them to trusted suppliers. The firm offers an online platform which makes ordering, tracking stock and managing day-to-day operations easier. Backed by Tencent, it stands out among the best African startups to watch in the healthcare sector.

WorkPay

Founded: 2019 | Industry: HR and Payroll Software | Headquarters: Kenya

WorkPay is a Kenyan firm that enables businesses to simplify their workforce management. Utilising its online platform, the service provides an easy way to pay salaries, deduct taxes, keep employee data and manage employee perks in over 50+ African countries. WorkPay has been through Y Combinators Winter 2020 programme and has raised over $10m from key investors such as Visa, Norrsken22 and Saviu Ventures. WorkPay stands out among high-growth African startups.

Complete Farmer

Founded: 2017 | Industry: Agricultural Technology | Headquarters: Ghana

Complete Farmer is an agricultural tech firm in Ghana that links small scale farmers to buyers in international markets. By using their online platform, farmers can easily find buyers to sell, to purchase quality seeds and use farming techniques that are suitable for exportable produce. Using satellite tech, the company tracks crop growth.

Deaftronics

Founded: 2009 | Industry: Health Technology | Headquarters: Botswana

Deaftronics is a company based in Botswana that creates affordable hearing aids for those with hearing difficulties. The hearing aids, called Solar Ear, use rechargeable batteries that can be powered by the sun or solar lamps. This means users don’t have to buy new batteries every week.

Oye

Founded: 2021 | Industry: Fintech and Insurtech | Headquarters: Kenya

Oye is a Kenyan firm that provides insurance cover for motorbike taxi drivers (Boda Boda) and provides fuel credit services. This is achieved by connecting to fuel stations and allowing drivers to gain points when purchasing fuel. These points can be used to gain personal accident insurance provided by Britam Holdings.

Jem

Founded: 2020 | Industry: HR Technology | Headquarters: South Africa

Jem is a South African business which provides businesses with an employee management solution using WhatsApp. It was previously called SmartWage and can be used by employees to view their payslips, request leave, view company news and withdraw some of their earnings. This makes it an ideal solution for those working within retails, hospitality and agriculture, who may not have access to computers or a company email. Jem has grown to have over 200,000 employees across 200 different businesses such as McDonald's franchise owners and large agriculture companies.

SafeSip

Founded: 2023 | Industry: Water Technology | Headquarters: Tanzania

SafeSip is a Tanzanian company who aims to provide clean drinking water to those who have poor access to safe water. They design and construct solar powered WaterBank kiosks. Groundwater is filtered and distributed through Smart Cards using these kiosks. They also monitor their water stations remotely. By using solar energy and local water, they aim to make drinking water cheaper and avoid the use of plastic bottles.

Black Swan

Founded: 2022 | Industry: Credit Scoring and Fintech | Headquarters: Tanzania

Black Swan is a Tanzanian fintech company that helps banks and lenders to assess the creditworthiness of individuals and small businesses with no formal credit history. Using mobile money, utility payments and business sales data it helps lenders determine if they will be able to repay their loan. This makes it easier for small businesses and informal traders to gain access to credit.

Business Honor observes that these startups reflect the growing range of businesses taking shape across Africa.

FAQs

Which are the African startups to watch in 2027?

Terra Industries, PawaPay, Remedial Health, WorkPay, Complete Farmer, Deaftronics, Oye, Jem, SafeSip, and Black Swan are among the African startups to watch in 2027.

Which industries are attracting startup innovation in Africa?

Fintech, healthcare, agriculture, defence technology, HR software, water technology, and digital payments are attracting growing startup activity across Africa.

Why are emerging startups in Africa gaining attention?

Emerging startups in Africa are gaining attention for solving local problems, using technology to improve services, attracting investors, and reaching new markets.

What makes the best African startups to watch stand out?

These companies focus on practical solutions, including affordable healthcare, digital payments, access to finance, clean water, and better farming services.