Since making our first African investment in 2011, 500 Global has built a portfolio of 180+ Africa-headquartered companies through our investment funds and accelerator cohorts. With more than 40 investor alumni operating in 11 countries, we are committed to supporting the long-term growth and scalability of Africa’s innovation ecosystems.
Our engagement in Africa began in 2011 with our inaugural investment through the Global Fund. Building on that foundation, we launched dedicated regional programs and funds for North Africa in 2017 and programs in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2025. To date, we have invested in over 180 African startups and supported more than 150 additional founders, contributing to the growth of innovation ecosystems across the continent.
500 Global is more than a venture investor in Africa — we are a trusted partner to founders, investors, and institutions working to shape the continent’s economic future. As Africa moves toward 2030, its rapid urbanization and the emergence of the world’s fastest-growing workforce create both urgency and opportunity for market-shaping innovation. Meeting this moment requires partners and resources that not only helps build companies, but strengthens the talent pipelines, infrastructure, and policy environments that enable scalable, technology-driven growth.
With localized teams across the continent and a global network spanning more than 80 countries, we bring on-the-ground expertise and deep connectivity to help startups scale.Through our accelerator programs, venture education, and advisory work, we support founders, investors, and public-sector leaders in building future-ready innovation systems.
500 Global’s first investment in Africa.
The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.
By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.
First regional MENA fund launched, with North African mandate.
The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.
By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.
500 invests in its 50th African portfolio company.
The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.
By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.
First African portfolio company to be valued over $1B (Chipper Cash).
The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.
By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.
500 Global launched BAM: Africa with Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.
By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.
Launched the Seed Bootcamp, Scale-up Program and BAM program in Egypt, in partnership with ITIDA.
The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.
By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.
500 Global’s first Immersion Trek to Nairobi, connecting North and Sub-Saharan ecosystems.
The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.
By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.
Launched the first Sustainable Innovation Program hub in Nairobi with the inaugural Pre-Acceleration Academy and Sustainable Innovation Seed Accelerator in partnership with UNDP.
The program Fee for Phase 1 is $35,000 per startup, excluding travel expenses. This fee covers the comprehensive support, mentorship, and resources provided throughout Phase 1.
By completing Phase 1, startups is expected to gain valuable insights, refine their strategies, and make informed decisions for successful market expansion.
180+
Sustainable Innovation Seed Accelerator in Nairobi
equips early African founders with essential tools for growth.
Pre-Acceleration Academy in Nairobi equips early African founders with essential tools for growth.
Bootcamp for Accelerator Managers taps into 500 Global’s extensive experience, drawn from over 85 accelerator programs worldwide.
500 Global and UNDP Launch New Innovation Programs
500 Global aims to unlock strategic resources that transform emerging ecosystems into investable innovation hubs and supports the continent’s long-term development ambitions.
We celebrate our three-year collaboration with Egypt’s Information Technology Industry Development Agency (ITIDA). Together, we have worked toward a shared goal: strengthening Egypt’s innovation ecosystem in ways that advance national priorities around digital transformation, while creating commercially investable opportunities with global potential.
500 Global in Egypt: BAM
Nairobi Launch 2025
500 Global in Egypt: BAM
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