• StartupBlink ranked 25 African countries in its global innovators index, with 13 in the top 100.
• South Africa ranked first in Africa at 61st globally, followed by Kenya at 68th.
• Ivory Coast ranked 81st globally and fifth in Africa, driven by strong access to finance and competitive taxation.

Twenty-five African countries feature in the global StartupBlink ranking that evaluates innovators’ ecosystems, with 13 of them placing in the world’s top 100.

South Africa and Kenya confirmed their status as pillars of Africa’s startup ecosystems, according to the Innovators Business Environment Index published by the StartupBlink platform.

The ranking relies on three main criteria. First, quantity measures the number of startups, incubators, accelerators, coworking spaces, and technology events. Second, quality assesses investment levels, research and development, the presence of highly valued startups, and international companies. Third, environment evaluates country stability, internet access, taxation, and ease of doing business.

A total of 25 African countries appeared in the global ranking, with 13 placing in the top 100. South Africa ranked first in Africa and 61st globally, followed by Kenya at 68th and Cape Verde at 70th.

West African countries also maintained visibility. Ivory Coast ranked fifth in Africa and 81st globally, while Nigeria ranked tenth in Africa and 95th worldwide.

Ivory Coast now stands out as one of the most dynamic hubs for entrepreneurship in West Africa and the West African Economic and Monetary Union. The country distinguished itself through strong access to financing, where it ranked first in the sub-region.

Businesses and startups benefit from easier access to credit, efficient banking services, and adapted financial tools.

Ranked second for innovation in West Africa, the country’s startup ecosystem continues to strengthen and mature. However, the “mobility and global openness” category, which measures cross-border exchanges, accessibility, and international circulation, remains an area for improvement.

Ivory Coast also ranked third in sub-Saharan Africa for taxation competitiveness. The capital gains tax rate ranked among the most attractive on the continent, reinforcing investor interest.

Overall, the country offers a favorable business environment, combining strong access to finance, advantageous taxation, and supportive conditions for entrepreneurs. According to StartupBlink, “one of the most notable developments is the use of free-zone frameworks to foster technology-driven activities. The VITIB free zone (Village of Information Technology and Biotechnology) in Grand-Bassam operates as a dedicated technology park benefiting from tax incentives and simplified customs procedures.”

This article was initially published in French by Carelle Tahou (intern)
 Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM

African Countries Ranking

1. South Africa (61st globally)
2. Kenya (68th globally)
3. Cape Verde (70th globally)
4. Morocco (80th globally)
5. Ivory Coast (81st globally)
6. Namibia (83rd globally)
7. Tunisia (87th globally)
8. Rwanda (91st globally)
9. Egypt (94th globally)
10. Nigeria (95th globally)
11. Zambia (97th globally)
12. Tanzania (98th globally)
13. Uganda (99th globally)
14. Senegal (101st globally)
15. Ghana (102nd globally)
16. Liberia (107th globally)
17. Algeria (109th globally)
18. Guinea (110th globally)
19. Mauritania (113th globally)
20. Angola (116th globally)
21. Zimbabwe (119th globally)
22. Ethiopia (120th globally)
23. Cameroon (121st globally)
24. Congo (122nd globally)
25. Somalia (123rd globally)