Few topics attract as much debate in African venture capital as exits. A decade into Africa’s startup journey, the ecosystem has proven it can build valuable, scalable companies. The real question is no longer whether African founders can create value, but how that value can translate into liquidity,  and whether the current debate around “no exits” accurately reflects reality.

Few topics attract as much debate in African venture capital as exits. A decade into Africa’s startup journey, the ecosystem has proven it can build valuable, scalable companies. The real question is no longer whether African founders can create value, but how that value can translate into liquidity,  and whether the current debate around “no exits” accurately reflects reality.

At the AI Action Summit in Paris in February 2025, the conversation turned toward Africa’s growing place in the global AI story. The continent was no longer framed as a passive recipient of innovation, but as an active contributor shaping where the technology goes next.

There’s a narrative out there that Africa is not well-placed to take part in today’s artificial-intelligence revolution. But this is wrong. It fundamentally misunderstands the continent’s unique position to become a major player in this transformative moment.It All Begins Here