Startup investment across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) surged in April 2026, reaching $150 million across 27 transactions, a 211 percent increase from March, according to Wamda data. The rebound signals renewed momentum but also highlights investor caution, with nearly half of the total raised through debt financing in just two deals — reflecting a preference for structured returns over high‑risk equity bets.
The UAE led the region with $78 million across eight deals, followed by Saudi Arabia and Egypt, each attracting around $26 million. Oman, Jordan, and Bahrain also posted gains, while Morocco slipped to seventh place, raising only $1.7 million through a single transaction after ranking third in March. Analysts say Morocco’s dip underscores the need for stronger governance and innovation financing to sustain investor confidence.
Fintech remained the top‑funded sector for the fourth consecutive month, securing $89.4 million across seven deals. E‑commerce rebounded with $19.3 million, while B2B startups dominated overall, capturing $95.8 million compared with $35.8 million for B2C ventures. Investors continue to favor enterprise‑focused models offering predictable cash flow amid global economic uncertainty.
Gender disparity persisted: female‑founded startups raised $1.5 million across five deals, while male‑founded ventures secured $138.8 million. Despite April’s recovery, regional funding remains 42 percent below the same period in 2025.
For Morocco, upcoming initiatives such as GITEX Africa, Digital Morocco 2030, and infrastructure linked to the World Cup 2030 could help attract sustained investment — but experts stress that consistent execution will be key to turning potential into long‑term growth.
