Enhancing Access to Finance for Technology Entrepreneurs in Southern Africa

Abstract

This report examines the financing gaps for early stage and growth that high-growth technology entrepreneurs are facing in the information and communication technology (ICT), climate technology, and innovative agribusiness sectors in Zambia and Mozambique, with a more regional review of Namibia and Botswana as possible. It analyzes the unmet needs of these entrepreneurs - perceived demand and latent demand - as well as the existing sources of supply of private capital for seed and early-stage investment, and defines the adequacy to meet these needs. The report also explores the challenges that angel investors have experienced in the past when attempting to finance early- and growth-stage start-ups in the region and, if and where appropriate, make recommendations relating to infoDev's possible interventions.