The push to connect Africa’s startups is getting $63 million and an AI platform

African startups and small businesses are set to benefit from a new AI-powered platform called KUMii, launched by 22 On Sloane, a startup support organization. The platform aims to connect entrepreneurs with funding, markets, mentorship, and business resources scattered across the continent's fragmented ecosystem. Announced alongside a R1 billion ($63 million) fundraising goal through Sloane Capital, the two initiatives target the challenge of accessing capital, customers, and expertise needed for growth in Africa's diverse markets.

African businesses face obstacles in navigating different regulations, currencies, procurement systems, funding networks, and support programs, often operating independently of one another. Jonathan Ortmans, founder and president of the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN), highlighted the challenge during the GEC+Africa 2026 summit, noting the increasing concentration of startup growth and late-stage capital in a few regions.

KUMii's AI-powered platform allows businesses to create profiles and match with relevant funders, investment opportunities, tender and procurement prospects, and business-readiness tools. The platform also offers mentorship, learning resources, and access to business software. Over 4,000 startups and MSMEs have already registered on the platform. The organization's CEO, Norma Ngobane, stated that the goal is to make the ecosystem easier to navigate and more capable of converting support into meaningful business growth.

Sloane Capital, a startup and MSME investment fund, has secured regulatory licenses and is raising R1 billion ($63 million) to finance African startups and MSMEs, aiming to move businesses beyond investment readiness towards growth and scale. The challenge of concentrating global capital flows is becoming more pressing as AI and a few dominant ecosystems dominate the market.