Lagos Tops Global Ranking as Fastest-Growing Tech Hub; Johannesburg and Kampala Also Among Top 20

Lagos, Nigeria, has been recognized as the world’s fastest-growing tech ecosystem in the 2025 Global Tech Ecosystem Index by Dealroom.co. The city’s tech valuation has grown an impressive 11.6 times since 2017, producing five “unicorn” companies.

Joining Lagos in the top 20 “Rising Stars” are Johannesburg, South Africa, a financial and tech hub in Southern Africa, and Kampala, Uganda, which highlights East Africa’s increasing digital innovation. This recognition is based on factors such as venture capital investment, startup growth, and the creation of unicorn companies, underscoring Africa’s accelerating influence and potential in the global technology landscape.

What drives this rapid growth? The rankings are based on several crucial metrics:

• Venture capital inflows: This indicates strong investor confidence and a willingness to fund new tech ventures.
• Startup ecosystem value: This reflects the overall health and economic impact of the startups within the city.
• Unicorn creation: As mentioned, this is a powerful indicator of successful scaling and market disruption.
• Research-university linkages: Strong ties between academia and industry often lead to innovation and a skilled talent pool.

The success of these African cities, particularly Lagos, demonstrates the continent’s digital ingenuity, entrepreneurial spirit, and the immense energy of its young and determined population. It’s a testament to how technology is driving inclusive economic development and paving a unique path for Africa in the global economy. This isn’t just about economic numbers; it’s about a fundamental shift in perception and capability, positioning African cities as vital players in the future of technology.

Sources: Forbes, Empower africa, Vanguardngr.com, Business insider