Mergers and acquisitions (M&As) have doubled in Africa’s digital economy within the past year. As of August 17, 2026, TechCabal Insights has tracked 84 M&A deals worth an estimated $11.4 billion in disclosed value. While startups raised $1.44 billion in H1 2026, M&As have transformed from a rare exit route into a primary strategy for companies to scale, acquire banking licences, and stay afloat.
84 M&A deals logged across 2026 so far
Between January 1 and August 17, 2026, company buyouts across Africa’s tech ecosystem exceeded the total numbers recorded in previous years. Led by a busy first quarter, 2026 has already recorded 84 deals, passing the 68 total deals seen across all four quarters of 2025.
The uptick in deals, starting with 37 deals in Q1, shows companies are consolidating to combine their balance sheets, share licences, and survive in a tough market.
Geographic footprint: where deals are happening
Geographically, Southern Africa (24) and Northern Africa (18) lead regional M&A activity in 2026. At the country level, South Africa (22), Nigeria (12), and Egypt (12) account for over half of all target companies acquired as of August 17th.
African tech companies are also looking outside the continent for growth. Local businesses acquired 8 targets outside Africa, including acquisitions in the UK (4), the US (1), France (1), Germany (1), and Canada (1), to build direct operations in international markets.