This session brings together foundations, philanthropists, diaspora investors (beyond remittances), venture capitalists, and fintech innovators to examine what is working today, where critical gaps remain, and what Africa’s capital ecosystem could look like over the next decade. Drawing on lessons from Silicon Valley’s venture capital culture and Africa’s rapidly evolving innovation landscape, the discussion will explore how to localize and strengthen capital systems to be more Africa-led, reduce friction and transaction costs, and better align financing with real market demand.
A central focus will be addressing the persistent funding gap that leaves many high-potential founders spending disproportionate time fundraising rather than building and scaling their ventures. The conversation will highlight practical, catalytic investment pathways, such as blended finance, patient capital, embedded finance models, and diaspora-led investment vehicles, that strengthen local capital formation, unlock risk-tolerant funding, and enable entrepreneurs to grow sustainably. Ultimately, the session will examine how fintech can continue to serve as the backbone of Africa’s digital economy, delivering measurable financial returns while advancing inclusive growth, resilience, and long-term prosperity.
