Startup Grind Tunis: Fireside Chat About Investing in Africa in 2026

Why It Matters

The shift toward disciplined, AI‑native and everyday‑economy investments reshapes Africa’s startup landscape, guiding founders toward sustainable growth and giving investors clearer risk‑adjusted opportunities.

Key Takeaways

• African VC focus shifts to debt financing for working capital
• AI-native startups replace legacy software as investment priority
• Applied fintech and cross-border payments remain high-growth sectors
• Investors avoid pure marketplace models and subsidy-dependent energy projects
• "Everyday economy" thesis targets mass-market, trade-centric solutions for Africa

Summary

The event was a fireside chat hosted by Startup Grind Tunis, featuring Edris Bellow and Alun (Alunob) of Lofty Capital, who examined how venture capital in Africa will look by the end of 2026.

They highlighted a maturing ecosystem where startups are turning to debt instruments for working‑capital, AI‑native businesses are displacing legacy software, and applied fintech—especially cross‑border payments and embedded finance—continues to attract capital. Investors now demand revenue, margins, and strong governance, moving away from “vanity” rounds.

Alun noted, “Anything not AI‑first is considered legacy software today,” while Edris emphasized that “the hype is gone; real businesses matter.” The firm’s “everyday economy” thesis stresses solutions embedded in traders’ daily lives, from logistics to health and education.

For founders, the message is clear: build sustainable, mass‑market products that solve concrete problems and can demonstrate profitability. For investors, the shift signals disciplined capital flowing into sectors with clear unit economics, while avoiding pure marketplace models and subsidy‑dependent energy ventures.

Original Description

Fireside chat about "Investing in Africa in 2026: What VCs Are Betting On (and What They’re Avoiding)."

This engaging session will explore key investment trends shaping Africa’s startup ecosystem by 2026, highlighting sectors gaining momentum and those that might lose investor interest. We'll discuss how early-stage investment criteria are evolving concerning traction, revenue, AI innovations, and unit economics.

Our special guests, Idris Ayodeji Bello and Alyune Blondin Diop from LoftyInc Capital Management, will share their valuable insights on what makes a startup 'fundable' in today's market. They will provide firsthand knowledge of the new expectations from founders in emerging markets and common pitfalls to avoid when pitching to global venture capitalists. This is a unique opportunity to gain a competitive edge and connect with peers who share your passion for fostering the upcoming generation of African startups. Whether you're an entrepreneur, an investor, or someone interested in the evolving landscape of African startups, this event is for you.