African Angel Academy Launches 12th Cohort to Bridge Africa’s $194B Startup Funding Gap
The African Angel Academy (AAA), Africa’s leading angel investor training platform, has announced the launch of its 12th cohort as the continent continues to grapple with a $194 billion annual early-stage funding shortfall, according to the African Development Bank.
Over the past five years, AAA has trained more than 770 investors across 26 countries, equipping them with the skills, tools, and networks to back high-potential startups in sectors such as fintech, health tech, agriculture, climate solutions, and education. The academy’s impact includes 216 facilitated deals that have unlocked $53.6 million for startups, with $7.2 million invested directly by AAA-trained angels.
The announcement follows the successful completion of Cohort 11, which attracted more than 100 participants from over 25 countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Egypt. Notably, 60% of participants were first-time angel investors, while women represented 35%—well above the global average of 20–30% in angel networks.
“Angel investing in Africa has moved beyond hobby investing; it is now a strategic lever for economic transformation,” said Stephen Gugu, Angel Investor, Co-founder of AAA, and Director at ViKtoria Ventures. “We saw angels back startups with cheque sizes ranging from $1,000 to $50,000—amounts often too small for VCs but transformational for founders.”
Cohort 12, which kicks off on September 17, 2025, will run two sequential tracks: Mechanics of Angel Investing (Sept 17–Oct 29) for new angels, and Advanced Angel Investing (Nov 5–Dec 10) for experienced investors. The fully online program combines self-paced modules, live Q&As, masterclasses, simulations, and peer engagement.
“When we launched AAA in 2020, our mission was to bring angel investing out of the shadows and create a space where new and seasoned investors could learn, connect, and back Africa’s boldest startups,” said Fiona Kiruja, AAA Programme Manager. “Cohort 12 is more dynamic, flexible, and personal than ever before.”
Applications for the African Angel Academy 12th Cohort close on September 10, 2025. Interested startups can apply HERE.
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