Two African Startup Optasia and Cash Plus Make Historic IPOs
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Two African fintech giants Optasia and Cash Plus went public in November 2025, marking the continent’s first major initial public offerings since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The milestone is being celebrated as a significant turning point for Africa’s technology and capital markets, signaling renewed investor confidence across the region.
According to data from Africa: The Big Deal, South African fintech Optasia debuted on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange on November 4, raising an impressive $345 million at a $1.4 billion valuation. Later that month, on November 25, Moroccan fintech Cash Plus listed on the Casablanca Stock Exchange, raising $82.5 million and securing a $550 million valuation.
The twin IPOs have been widely interpreted as a resurgence of appetite among global and regional investors for African tech ventures particularly in the fintech sector, which continues to dominate the continent’s innovation landscape.
Startup Funding Climbs to $2.8 Billion
The strong IPO activity comes amid a broader surge in startup investment. As 2025 draws to a close, African startups have raised $2.8 billion, representing a nearly 50% increase compared to the previous year. Both total equity funding and the number of startups securing deals of $1 million or more have risen significantly.
The momentum suggests that Africa is re-establishing itself as a global hotspot for venture capital, driven by innovation in financial services, green energy, and agritech.
November Funding Highlights
In November alone, startups secured $162 million in disclosed funding—79% of which came through equity deals. While not a record, the month ranked as the fifth-highest funded month in 2025. The figure is consistent with November 2024’s $181 million but trails the stronger performance of November 2023, which saw $267 million raised.
Across the continent, 32 ventures raised at least $100,000, with 16 startups securing deals worth $1 million or more. Major raises included:
- SolarSaver (South Africa, energy) – $60 million
- nextProtein (Tunisia, agritech) – $21 million
- SolarX (West Africa, energy) – €15 million
- Omnisient (South Africa, fintech) – $12.5 million
- Lula (South Africa, fintech) – $10 million
- SwiftVEE (South Africa, agritech) – $10 million
These raises underscore Africa’s growing appeal to both local and international investors, especially in sectors driving sustainability and digital transformation.
A Landmark Year for Africa’s Tech Ecosystem
With two high-profile IPOs, strong venture activity, and rising global interest, 2025 is shaping up as a defining year for Africa’s startup and fintech ecosystem. The renewed confidence is expected to spur more listings, bigger rounds, and expanded innovation across the continent.
As Africa solidifies its reputation as a hub for technology-driven growth, analysts say the momentum could fuel even greater capital inflows in the years ahead.
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