MNT-Halan $40M Bond

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⟹ 🚀 STARTUPS WATCH 🚀 ⟸

Here are the 5 top startups in the African eco-system we think you need to know:

Zindi is Africa’s leading data science competition platform, connecting thousands of data scientists to real-world challenges that matter. From predicting food insecurity to optimizing logistics, Zindi transforms African problems into machine learning competitions, curated in partnership with companies, NGOs, and governments.

With over 70,000 users across the continent, Zindi empowers both new and experienced data scientists to access high-quality African datasets, sharpen their skills, build careers, and win prizes. 💡🌍

Tejarra is Egypt’s leading online marketplace for IT, consumer electronics, and telecom products—bringing together unbeatable prices, fast nationwide delivery, and a customer-first experience all in one place. 🚚⚡

Built for both everyday shoppers and tech enthusiasts, Tejarra offers a streamlined platform to discover, compare, and purchase top-rated gadgets with ease. With a bold company culture rooted in innovation, teamwork, and responsibility, Tejarra is redefining e-commerce in Egypt—where every order is delivered with speed, care, and value.

Sumundi is a Ghanaian SaaS startup revolutionizing retail and enterprise management across Africa. Their flagship product, Keepsales POS, is a modern, cloud-powered point-of-sale system that simplifies inventory tracking, sales monitoring, and customer engagement for busy retailers.

With additional offerings like Sumundi Hardware (POS equipment) and Sumundi Devshop (custom software development), Sumundi provides a full-stack solution for growing African businesses. Backed by a founding team with deep technical and operational expertise, Sumundi has become a go-to name for agile, customer-centric enterprise software built for African markets. 🛍️🖥️

⟹ 💼 💰️ VENTURE CAPITAL WATCH 💼 💰️ ⟸

🔹 MNT-Halan issued a record-breaking $49M corporate bond, marking Egypt’s largest private sector issuance to date. The BBB+ rated bond gives the fintech unicorn access to institutional capital without dilution — a powerful signal for growth-stage startups exploring structured debt.

🔹 Platos Health raised $1.4M pre-seed from Google for Startups, Invest International, and angels from Google and Tesla. The Lagos-based medtech is tackling chronic disease with AI-powered metabolic monitoring — an early validation for deeptech in African healthcare.

🔹 i’SUPPLY secured $3M in Sharia-compliant, revenue-based financing from Bokra to expand its digital pharma marketplace. The deal highlights Islamic finance as a rising alternative to equity capital for B2B startups in MENA and beyond.

👀 This Week’s Featured Investor: Wamda Capital 👀

Wamda Capital is one of MENA’s most respected venture capital firms, headquartered in Dubai and laser-focused on early- and growth-stage tech startups across the region.

Founded by Aramex legend Fadi Ghandour, Wamda takes a founder-led, patient capital approach to backing transformational businesses. As an evergreen fund, it invests for long-term impact, not quick exits.

🧠 What makes Wamda different?

• Operator empathy: Backed by founders, for founders.

• Deep MENA expertise with global investor partners.

• Notable wins across fintech, logistics, healthtech, and SaaS.

💼 Portfolio Highlights:

• Tabby – BNPL giant backed by PayPal Ventures

• BitOasis – Leading crypto exchange with VARA license

• ZIWO, palm.hr, ChatFood – Fast-growing MENA SaaS champions

• RemotePass, Diligend (Dasseti) – Transforming remote work and due diligence

• Wafeq, Lezzoo, Deliverect (via acquisition) – Proof of M&A success in the region

Wamda isn’t just cutting cheques — they’re building ecosystems.

📌 Visit Wamda Capital’s profile on SHA for more.

⟹ 📺️ MEDIA WATCH 📺️  ⟸

Here are the 5 key things in the news this week that you need to know:

1. MNT-Halan concludes $49m corporate bond issuance - Disrupt Africa

2. Google-backed Platos Health raises $1.4 million pre-seed to roll out preventive health device across Nigeria - Techcabal

3. Egyptian pharma startup i’SUPPLY raises $3m Sharia-compliant funding - Disrupt Africa

4. PalmPay to expand to 4 African markets after processing 1.35 bn transactions in Q1 - Techcabal

5. Jumia predicts profitability in 2027 as Q1 results reflect consumer gains - Techcabal

And that’s your weekly dosage of the African startup ecosystem! Have a lovely week ahead!

Gitonga, the Stoic Founder at StartupHub.Africa 🚀

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