Africa’s private equity market lost further momentum in 2025, with total deal value falling for a third consecutive year to $6.85 billion in the first nine months—nearing Covid-19-era lows—as investors retreated amid global volatility, tighter financial conditions, and persistent domestic risks.

Data from DealMakers Africa, which tracks mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate finance transactions across the continent, show that deal value excluding South Africa fell 22 percent year-on-year from $8.83 billion, marking its weakest lev

Africa’s private equity market lost further momentum in 2025, with total deal value falling for a third consecutive year to $6.85 billion in the first nine months—nearing Covid-19-era lows—as investors retreated amid global volatility, tighter financial conditions, and persistent domestic risks.

Data from DealMakers Africa, which tracks mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and corporate finance transactions across the continent, show that deal value excluding South Africa fell 22 percent year-on-year from $8.83 billion, marking its weakest lev