Lagos Shines as Africa Struggles in 2021 Global Startup Ecosystem Rankings
The 2021 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) paints a mixed picture for Africa’s tech scene. While Lagos, Nigeria, emerges as a continental leader, the overall performance of African startup ecosystems in the global arena remains a cause for concern. The report, compiled by the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) in partnership with various industry players, highlights the challenges and opportunities facing the continent’s burgeoning tech industry.
Lagos Leads, Others Trail in Emerging Ecosystems
Lagos secured the 52nd position among the top 100 emerging startup ecosystems worldwide, demonstrating the city’s growing importance as a tech hub. Cairo, Egypt, followed closely at 55th, with Nairobi, Kenya, and Cape Town, South Africa, ranking 77th and 81st respectively. Notably, these four cities were the only African ecosystems to feature within the top 100 emerging ecosystems assessed globally. No African startup ecosystem made it into the overall global top 100. The GSER, drawing on data from interviews, surveys, and research, assessed 275 ecosystems across more than 100 countries. The report, which is released annually, is based on input from startup support organizations, founders, and companies.
In conclusion, while Lagos’s performance is encouraging, the 2021 GSER underscores the work that remains to be done to elevate the overall status of African startup ecosystems on the global stage. The lack of representation in the top global rankings suggests a need for greater investment, infrastructure development, and supportive policies to foster the growth of tech startups across the continent.
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