Why debt must be part of every African startup’s 2026 financing strategy

Equity built Africa’s startup ecosystem but in 2026 the founders who scale will be the ones using debt as part of their financing strategy.

Recap: How to secure alternative financing for your business in 2026

As debt financing overtakes equity in Africa’s startup ecosystem, founders are rethinking how to fund growth. Here’s what operators and investors say about securing alternative financing in 2026.

Congo gets AfDB $602,000 grant to rebase GDP, curb debt ratio

"This project aims to ensure that Congo's GDP reflects its true value,” Economy Minister Ludovic Ngatse said

One Acre Fund secures $1.4 Million debt funding to support farmers in Africa

One Acre Fund has recently secured a $1.4 million debt fund from Impact Bridge Asset Management to finance and support farmers in Africa

BD Insider 195: Twiga Foods in $263k debt

Incentro Africa has filed insolvency against Twiga Foods, a Kenyan agritech startup. We also covered the acquisition of Chaka by Risevest in an undisclosed deal.

Kenyan fintech M-KOPA gets $250M+ in debt and equity

M-KOPA has secured more than $250 million in debt and equity funding to boost its smartphone financing offering, expand into additional markets, and prioritize sustainability.

South Africa’s unsustainable consumer debts need attention, expert cautions

Vicious cycle of debt is a serious concern with far-reaching implications for the entire payments industry, says tech and financial gateway service provider PAYM8 CEO Andrew Springate.