Three African cities have firmly established themselves as some of the fastest-growing technology hubs worldwide, according to the 2025 Global Tech Ecosystem Index by Dealroom.co, underscoring the continent’s rising influence in the global tech arena.

Lagos, Johannesburg, and Kampala each earned recognition for their rapid tech ecosystem growth, reflecting Africa’s accelerating digital transformation and its growing role in global innovation.

Lagos tops the list as the world’s fastest-growing tech ecosystem, leading the African cities categorized as “Rising Stars.”

The report highlights Lagos’s remarkable achievement in producing five unicorn startups and expanding its ecosystem valuation by 11.6 times since 2017, an extraordinary accomplishment considering Nigeria’s relatively smaller economy.

This meteoric rise positions Lagos as a global beacon of tech entrepreneurship.

Johannesburg, South Africa’s financial and technological powerhouse, also ranks among the top fast-growing tech cities.

Its advanced infrastructure and business-friendly environment have attracted startups and investors alike, solidifying the city’s status as a key player in Southern Africa’s innovation landscape.

Meanwhile, Kampala’s inclusion signals East Africa’s burgeoning momentum in digital innovation, fueled by expanding mobile connectivity, fintech advancements, and progressive policy reforms.

The rankings draw on critical metrics such as venture capital inflows, startup ecosystem value, unicorn creation, and collaborations between research institutions and universities.

This data-driven approach underscores the strength and potential of these African ecosystems.

The 2025 Global Tech Ecosystem Index’s spotlight on Lagos, Johannesburg, and Kampala confirms Africa’s emergence as a powerful center for tech-driven entrepreneurship.

These cities are propelled by youthful populations, increasing internet penetration, mobile-first solutions, and growing investment interest from both local and international stakeholders.

Their success signals not only a shift in the global tech map but also Africa’s potential to foster inclusive economic growth through technology innovation.