
25 African Startups to Watch
On this episode of Bloomberg Next Africa, we take a deep dive into Bloomberg's inaugural 25 African Startups to Watch list. From United Nations initiatives like 'Timbuktoo' to the role of private equity in supporting entrepreneurs, this is a pivotal moment for business innovation in Africa. This month, hear from UNDP's Ahunna Eziakonwa, Alterra Capital Partner's Genevive Sangudi, and Enygma Ventures' Sarah Dusek, plus the CEOs of startups Koolboks, Uncovered and Swiftvee. Also on the show: Africa's 2025 CEO Forum in Abidjan saw business leaders and investors gather with the aim of spurring more public-private deals to speed up the continent's economic transformation. (Source: Bloomberg)
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