According to the 2025 Global Tech Ecosystem Index by Dealroom.co, three African cities – Lagos, Johannesburg and Kampala have been recognized among the fastest-growing tech hubs worldwide, highlighting the continent’s rising influence in the global technology landscape.
The ranking picked Lagos as the world’s fastest-growing tech ecosystem, leading the list of African cities making significant progress under the “Rising Stars” category.
The report highlights that Lagos secured the top spot globally, having produced five unicorns and grown its ecosystem valuation by 11.6 times since 2017—an impressive feat despite operating within a relatively smaller economy.
Similarly, Johannesburg (South Africa) has built a reputation as a financial and technological hub in Southern Africa, leveraging its advanced infrastructure and business-friendly environment to attract startups and investors alike.
Meanwhile, Kampala’s (Uganda) inclusion reflects East Africa’s rising momentum in digital innovation, driven by increased mobile connectivity, fintech growth, and supportive policy shifts.
The rankings were based on key metrics including venture capital inflows, startup ecosystem value, unicorn creation, and research-university linkages.
Fastest growing tech cities
Here’s a spotlight on the top 20 fastest-growing tech cities in 2025.
The 2025 Global Tech Ecosystem Index reflects Africa’s accelerating momentum in the global innovation space.
The presence of these cities indicate that the continent is forging its own path, driven by digital ingenuity, entrepreneurial grit, and the energy of a young, determined population.
Africa’s growing presence in this ranking is a testament to the continent’s accelerating digital transformation and its potential to drive inclusive economic development through technology.
With Lagos leading the global list at #1, and Johannesburg and Kampala also securing spots in the top 20, African cities are emerging as powerful centers of tech-driven entrepreneurship.
These ecosystems are being shaped by youthful populations, rising internet penetration, mobile-first solutions, and increasing investment interest from both domestic and international stakeholders.
