The Ambitious Goals Africa’s Audacious Founders Are Gunning For In 2025

As we step into 2025, Africa’s tech ecosystem is brimming with ambition. The continent’s founders and operators are strategising to tackle pressing challenges while positioning themselves at the forefront of innovation. From expanding into new markets to harnessing the power of AI, here’s a look at what some of Africa’s most dynamic tech entrepreneurs aim for in the new year.

1. Remedial Health: Expanding Beyond Borders

Samuel Okwuada, CEO and Co-Founder of Remedial Health, a startup using technology to streamline pharmaceutical procurements, is focused on diversification in 2025. “Diversification is the mantra for 2025,” he says, acknowledging that the spate of economic upheavals in Nigeria means his venture cannot afford to be too dependent on a single currency.

“While we continue to serve 7,500 hospitals, pharmacies, and PPMVs in Nigeria, we are accelerating our plans to explore growth and impact opportunities in other regions.” With a successful model in Nigeria, Remedial Health is now focused on scaling across Africa, keeping an eye on local currencies to mitigate financial risks.

2. Thrive Agric: AI, Climate, and Tech Community Building

Ayo Arikawe, CTO and Co-Founder of Thrive Agric, which leverages technology to provide profitable support for smallholder farmers across Africa, is particularly excited about growth in East Africa and the increasing integration of AI and climate tech. He shares, “We project that the Nigerian market is back to a growth phase, and we expect to see similar growth in East Africa, with a strong focus on AI and Climate.”

Arikawe also highlights Thrive Agric’s community-building efforts: “We have started by building Abuja Tech Converge, a gathering for the tech ecosystem in northern Nigeria. We hope to scale this across other markets to foster collaboration and accelerate agricultural innovation.”

3. Prembly: Expanding Product Offerings and Strengthening Relationships

Lanre Ogungbe, CEO and Co-Founder of compliance and data infra provider, Prembly (formerly IdentityPass), sees 2025 as a year of strategic expansion. “We’ll expand into more countries and release new product verticals that leverage insights we’ve gained over the years,” Ogungbe says.

His vision is clear: “We operate as the compliance enabler for many companies in the African tech ecosystem, and we aim to build closer relationships with them to solve their compliance challenges.” Ogungbe is confident that Prembly’s solutions will continue to play a pivotal role in enabling the growth of Africa’s tech startups.

4. Duplo: Facilitating Cross-Border Trade and Financial Integration

Yele Oyekola, CEO and Co-Founder of Duplo, a startup helping businesses to manage their financial operations, has set ambitious goals for 2025. “Our goal for 2025 is to facilitate trade by enabling quicker and more efficient international vendor payments for corporates,” he explains. “We aim to improve business productivity by enabling businesses that use Duplo’s solutions to save time and resources, which will help them focus on growth.”

Oyekola is also focused on driving economic integration across Africa: “We want to achieve greater economic integration by connecting different parts of the continent financially, contributing to the overall development of Africa.” These objectives, if accomplished, position Duplo to play a critical role in enhancing the financial ecosystem across the continent.

5. SunFi: Making Solar Energy More Accessible

Rotimi Thomas, CEO and Co-Founder of SunFi, aims to drive broader solar energy adoption. “In 2025, we are focused on making sure consumers have affordable, reliable energy access without stress,” says Thomas.

He emphasises the importance of addressing macroeconomic factors: “We are closely monitoring foreign exchange movements and how the macro environment is reshaping consumer priorities.” With plans to expand solar energy access, SunFi is paving the way for businesses and individuals to move away from costly and unreliable petrol and diesel generators.

6. Verto: Simplifying Cross-Border Payments

Ola Oyetayo, CEO and Co-Founder of Verto, is focused on transforming cross-border payments across Africa. “Our goal is to make cross-border payments as simple as sending a text message,” he says. Oyetayo explains the company’s vision to expand further into Francophone Africa, particularly Côte d’Ivoire: “By reducing friction and unlocking local currency trade, we hope to empower African businesses to transact more seamlessly.”

The integration of stablecoins into Verto’s payment infrastructure is another key milestone. “We are committed to reducing Africa’s dependency on dollars for trade, fostering financial resilience, and contributing to the scalability of Africa’s tech ecosystem.”

7. Wimbart: Authentic Storytelling and Building Credibility

Jessica Hope, CEO and Founder of tech-focused PR firm Wimbart, sees 2025 as a critical year for startups to embrace authentic PR strategies. “Startups should continue to learn about and embrace PR,” she advises. “Investors, strategic partners, and customers are no longer swayed by overly polished corporate or tech jargon; they want to see ingenuity and a clear vision for tackling real-world challenges.”

Hope continues, “The startups that consistently communicate their purpose while showcasing tangible impact and milestones will be better positioned to engage with their stakeholders and build long-term credibility.”

8. Sparkle: Digitising Financial Habits and Promoting Financial Literacy

Uzoma Dozie, CEO and Founder of Sparkle, a digital-only microfinance bank in Nigeria, is focused on financial inclusion and literacy. “Our focus in 2025 is to formalise informal financial habits—for individuals and MSMEs—by providing them with accessible tools, digitizing group savings (like Esusu), and enabling financial literacy through intuitive platforms,” Dozie shares.

He also highlights the growing role of open banking: “As open banking becomes a reality in Nigeria, we see an opportunity to deliver enhanced personalization and financial inclusion through data-driven offerings.”

From healthcare to fintech, solar energy to PR, the founders leading these African startups are united by a common goal: to transform their industries and contribute to Africa’s tech ecosystem. As they tackle new challenges, scale across borders, and innovate at speed, 2025 promises to be a defining year for these pioneers and the broader African tech space.

Featured Image Credits: I Want Product Market Fit – Substack