The Most Entrepreneurial Cities in Africa: A Look at the Top Business Founder Hubs
Kigali, Rwanda, Takes the Lead in Africa’s Thriving Startup Scene
In Africa, the presence of thriving and innovative business founders is crucial for economic growth, social development, and cultural enrichment. These entrepreneurs not only create wealth but also contribute to the overall prosperity and vibrancy of their communities. With the continent’s entrepreneurial spirit on the rise, it is essential to identify the cities that serve as hotspots for business founders and innovation.
Methodology:
According to a comprehensive report by Ondeck, a leading organization supporting business scaling, the most business-inclined city in Africa can be found in East Africa. However, the report also highlights other regions on the continent with a significant number of business founders. To determine the rankings, Ondeck analyzed the total number of local LinkedIn profiles in 150 countries, the top 10 most populated cities within those countries, as well as various other data sources such as Startupblink’s Global Startup Report 2022.
Top 10 African Cities with the Highest Number of Business Founders:
1. Kigali, Rwanda: Topping the list is Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali, with an impressive 116.5 business founders for every 10,000 LinkedIn profiles. Kigali is also home to the Norrsken Foundation’s startup hub, Kigali House, which is renowned as the largest hub for entrepreneurs in Africa.
2. Nairobi, Kenya: Known as the “Silicon Savannah,” Nairobi ranks second on the list, with 81.4 business founders per 10,000 LinkedIn profiles. The city’s thriving tech ecosystem and supportive infrastructure have contributed to its reputation as a hub for innovation.
3. Johannesburg, South Africa: South Africa’s economic powerhouse, Johannesburg, secures the third spot, with 79.6 business founders per 10,000 LinkedIn profiles. The city’s vibrant business environment and access to capital make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs.
4. Cape Town, South Africa: Another South African city, Cape Town, follows closely behind Johannesburg, with 75.9 business founders per 10,000 LinkedIn profiles. Cape Town’s scenic beauty, coupled with its entrepreneurial ecosystem, has made it a magnet for startup enthusiasts.
5. Lagos, Nigeria: Nigeria’s commercial capital, Lagos, takes the fifth position on the list, with 67.7 business founders per 10,000 LinkedIn profiles. Lagos has witnessed a surge in entrepreneurship, driven by a young and tech-savvy population.
6. Accra, Ghana: Accra, the capital city of Ghana, emerges as the sixth most entrepreneurial city in Africa, with 65.4 business founders per 10,000 LinkedIn profiles. The city’s growing startup ecosystem and supportive government policies have fostered a conducive environment for entrepreneurs.
7. Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: Tanzania’s largest city, Dar es Salaam, secures the seventh spot, with 62.5 business founders per 10,000 LinkedIn profiles. The city’s strategic location and emerging market potential have attracted entrepreneurs from various sectors.
8. Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: Addis Ababa, the capital city of Ethiopia, ranks eighth on the list, with 59.2 business founders per 10,000 LinkedIn profiles. The city’s recent economic growth and government initiatives to support startups have contributed to its entrepreneurial success.
9. Cairo, Egypt: Egypt’s bustling capital, Cairo, claims the ninth position, with 52.7 business founders per 10,000 LinkedIn profiles. Cairo’s large population and diverse market have created opportunities for entrepreneurs across various industries.
10. Tunis, Tunisia: Rounding off the top ten is Tunis, the capital city of Tunisia, with 50.2 business founders per 10,000 LinkedIn profiles. Tunis has witnessed a surge in startup activity, driven by a supportive ecosystem and government initiatives.
Conclusion:
Africa’s entrepreneurial landscape is flourishing, with numerous cities serving as hubs for business founders and innovation. The top ten cities identified in the Ondeck report highlight the diversity and potential of the continent’s startup ecosystems. From Kigali’s vibrant tech scene to Nairobi’s Silicon Savannah, these cities are driving economic growth, job creation, and technological advancements. As Africa continues to embrace entrepreneurship, these cities will play a crucial role in shaping the continent’s future.