The article discusses the emergence of new countries in Africa that are rapidly making their mark in the tech landscape. While Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa, and Kenya have traditionally been considered the leading countries in Africa's tech ecosystem, other nations are now gaining prominence.

The article highlights the growing influence of French-speaking countries, including Senegal, Morocco, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Mauritius. Senegal and Morocco have moved up in the Global Startup Ecosystems Ranking, showcasing their potential and attracting investor interest. Senegal's startup ecosystem received a significant boost with Wave, a mobile money startup, becoming Africa's first francophone unicorn. Mauritius has also demonstrated impressive growth, with its cities, Port Louis and Grand Baie, making it to the list of top cities in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index. The DRC has raised substantial funding for startups, and companies like Altech are making strides in clean energy and sustainable development.

Ghana is following in the footsteps of the "big four" countries and has emerged as a significant player in West Africa's startup scene. Although Nigerian startups represent the majority of funding in the region, Ghana has attracted $390 million in deals, with notable successes like Chippercash and mPharma.

The article also mentions the North African countries of Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco. Tunisia, with its pioneering Startup Act, has become a model for other African countries, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Morocco, with its strategic geographical location, is becoming a favored destination for startups looking to access markets in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. Algeria has government support for its startup ecosystem, including the establishment of a "Ministry of Startups" and a public accelerator called Algeria Venture.

While the "big four" countries still dominate Africa's tech landscape, these emerging countries show promise and have the potential to become leaders in the future. The article suggests that Africa's tech ecosystem has the potential to become a frontrunner on the global stage as these challengers continue to develop and grow.

Read the article on TechCabal