“Africa has all the ingredients for success: innovative talent, unmatched entrepreneurial spirit, and a growing tech ecosystem,” says Dillon, whose 40-year career spans the early days of Silicon Valley to leading Microsoft’s expansion into Europe.

Dillon believes Africa’s potential lies in building ecosystems rather than backing isolated entrepreneurs. Drawing lessons from Silicon Valley and Europe’s tech renaissance, he argues that sustainable startup success depends on a network of capital, mentorship and policy support.

In 2004, Dillon co-founded Atlantic Bridge, which has backed over 110 deep tech companies with 38 exits, including seven unicorns. Now, with Africa Bridge Fund, he’s applying the same ecosystem approach in an African context, targeting startups in healthtech, enablement tech and climate tech.

The four pillars of Africa’s tech future

McCosker and Dillon emphasise four key factors for a thriving Africa tech ecosystem:

• Capital: African startups remain underfunded at early stages despite record inflows in 2024.
• Connectivity: Founders need global exposure to scale and compete.
• Co-investors: Syndicates can reduce risk and increase support.
• Talent: Universities must align more closely with industry demands.

Pooling local and international investment is vital to helping startups move from inception to exit. “Success stories position Africa as a credible tech hub,” says McCosker.

Strategic focus areas

Africa Bridge Fund sees three main categories for African tech:

1. Regional solutions: Innovations that solve local challenges.
2. Adaptations: Proven models localised for Africa.
3. Global champions: Homegrown technologies with global potential.

Each requires a different kind of support structure, but all depend on healthy capital flows and access to networks.

A continent on the rise

“Africa’s young population, low operational costs and rising domestic VC participation make 2025 a turning point,” says McCosker. He adds that AI is fuelling innovation at a pace last seen during the mobile and cloud booms.

The Fund’s ambition is to deliver both profit and purpose. “Success will be measured in financial returns and social impact,” says Dillon, pointing to goals like improved healthcare, digital inclusion and climate resilience.

The goal is clear: to enable African entrepreneurs to compete globally while addressing the world’s most urgent challenges. The Africa tech ecosystem, they believe, is not just growing — it’s transforming.

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