Tech investment in Sub-Saharan Africa has unique characteristics compared to other emerging markets. While Sub-Saharan Africa presents opportunities for growth, it also faces challenges such as varying levels of technology infrastructure, local market dynamics, and addressing local needs. Other emerging markets like Asia and Latin America may have larger economies, more advanced tech infrastructure, and different social impact priorities. Successful tech investment in Sub-Saharan Africa requires understanding differences in factors like market size, risks, and exit strategies compared to investments in other global regions.

1. Tech Investment in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Comparison with Other Emerging Markets
Tech investment in Sub-Saharan Africa has unique characteristics when compared to other
emerging markets. While Sub-Saharan Africa presents significant opportunities for growth
and impact, it also comes with its own set of challenges and considerations that differentiate
it from other regions. Here's a comparison of tech investment in Sub-Saharan Africa with
other emerging markets:
South Africa is a key emerging market in Sub-Saharan Africa with a growing tech ecosystem.
It has a relatively well-developed technology infrastructure, a growing middle class, and a
vibrant startup scene. South Africa offers opportunities in areas such as fintech, e-commerce,
health tech, and agri-tech, driven by factors such as increasing internet penetration, digital
adoption, and a supportive regulatory environment.
 Market Size and Growth Potential: Sub-Saharan Africa has a large and growing
population, with over 1 billion people, but its GDP per capita is relatively low
compared to other emerging markets. While the market size is significant, the
purchasing power of the population may vary across countries and regions within
Sub-Saharan Africa. Other emerging markets, such as Asia and Latin America, may
have larger GDP per capita and higher levels of consumer spending, providing
different opportunities and challenges for tech investment. Akin Akindiji is a
property investor and has a wealth of experience in supporting enterprise-scale
projects.
 Technology Infrastructure: Technology infrastructure, such as internet connectivity,
power supply, and digital ecosystem, may vary significantly across countries in Sub-
Saharan Africa. Some countries have well-developed technology infrastructure, while
others may face challenges in terms of connectivity and access to digital services.
Other emerging markets may have more advanced technology infrastructure,
providing different levels of readiness for tech investment.
 Local Market Dynamics: Sub-Saharan Africa has its unique local market dynamics,
with diverse cultural, regulatory, and economic environments across different
countries and regions. This requires careful consideration and understanding of the
local context when making tech investments. Other emerging markets may also have
their own local market dynamics, which can vary significantly based on factors such
as government policies, consumer preferences, and business practices.
 Addressing Local Challenges: Tech solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa often focus on
addressing local challenges, such as financial inclusion, agriculture, healthcare, and
education, which may differ from challenges in other emerging markets. The specific
needs and demands of the local population may require tailored solutions, and
investors need to consider the relevance and viability of tech solutions in addressing
these challenges. Akinkunmi Akindiji can really help you in proving the best
solutions to current local challenges.
 Social Impact and Sustainability: Social impact and sustainability considerations are
increasingly important for investors in Sub-Saharan Africa, as investors seek to create
positive change and contribute to local economic development. Other emerging
markets may also prioritize social impact and sustainability, but the specific
environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors and priorities may differ based
on the region and local context.
 Risk and Return Profile: Tech investments in Sub-Saharan Africa may come with
unique risks, including political, regulatory, operational, and currency risks, which

2. may affect the risk and return profile of investments. Other emerging markets may
also have their own set of risks, and investors need to carefully evaluate and manage
these risks when making investment decisions.
 Exit Strategy: The exit strategy for tech investments in Sub-Saharan Africa may vary
depending on factors such as local stock exchanges, regulatory environment, and
investor preferences. Other emerging markets may offer different exit options, such as
IPOs, mergers, and acquisitions, or secondary sales, based on the local market
conditions.
In summary, tech investment in Sub-Saharan Africa has unique characteristics when
compared to other emerging markets, including differences in market size, technology
infrastructure, local market dynamics, social impact considerations, risk profile, and exit
strategies. Understanding the nuances of Sub-Saharan Africa's tech ecosystem and local
context is crucial for successful tech investments in the region.