* Wasoko (Kenya)
Wasoko connects small retailers with suppliers, helping to streamline inventory & delivery. It has already expanded into multiple African countries, shows high growth (strong CAGR), and is seen as a likely unicorn.
* M‑KOPA (Kenya)
Originally solar/pay‑as‑you‑go; now offers financial inclusion tools, smartphones, health services, etc. Deep on-the-ground reach in underserved populations.
* Yoco (South Africa)
Supporting SMEs through accessible POS tools, business tools, and pushing Africa’s cashless/digital payments transition. Rapid merchant adoption.
* Itana (Nigeria)
Building “digital free zones” to allow businesses to operate without being physically present, easing regulatory hurdles, could become a hub for remote/virtual business models in Africa.
* Axelera AI (Netherlands / EU)
Developing AI processing units (AIPUs) for robots, drones, and embedded systems; received large grants for its Titania chip. It has backing from major investors. It could be important in the battle for non‑US chip infrastructure.
* SleekFlow (Singapore / Hong Kong)
Offers tools for brands to manage messaging & interactions across social / messaging channels; growing customer base; strong revenue momentum.
The tech world is more dynamic than ever. While global giants like Apple, Microsoft, and NVIDIA continue to shape the industry with massive resources and worldwide reach, a new wave of rising tech firms is emerging, many from unexpected regions like Africa, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. These up-and-coming companies are not only disrupting traditional business models but also addressing real-world challenges with innovative, scalable solutions.
Whether it’s improving financial access through fintech, developing next-generation AI chips, or reimagining logistics and retail in underserved markets, these rising stars are worth watching in 2026 and beyond. They remind us that the future of technology isn’t limited to Silicon Valley; it’s being built everywhere.
As we move forward, keeping an eye on both the established titans and the agile disruptors will be essential for anyone interested in how tech continues to transform our world.
