Top 10 best cities for startups

The report highlights the top 40 global hubs that are currently driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and tech disruption.

The Top 10 cities are dominated by well-established tech ecosystems across North America, Europe, and Asia. The list includes:

Africa’s Growing Tech Ambitions

Although no African city made it into the global top 40 list, the continent is steadily gaining ground in the global innovation space. Ecosystems in Lagos (Nigeria), Cape Town and Johannesburg (South Africa), Nairobi (Kenya), and Accra (Ghana) are increasingly attracting international interest, bolstered by youth-led innovation and mobile-driven solutions.

StartupBlink has previously acknowledged Lagos as Africa’s leading startup city, citing its dynamic fintech scene and expanding investor interest.

However, African cities still face challenges such as limited access to funding, infrastructure constraints, and regulatory hurdles.

African governments and private sector stakeholders are being urged to invest more in entrepreneurship ecosystems to create enabling environments for startups.

Accelerating digital infrastructure, improving access to capital, and fostering collaboration with global partners are key to closing the gap.

Initiatives such as AfCFTA, the African Continental Free Trade Area, and increased regional tech competitions are gradually building a pan-African innovation network.