Designed to scale its operations across existing and new markets, even as many African startups struggle to raise capital, this is a 100% debt which makes the deal unique.

Led by Rand Merchant Bank (RMB) and backed by development finance institutions such as British International Investment (BII), Finnfund, and Norfund, the new capital will fuel Wave’s working capital needs and infrastructure growth. 

These funders are turning to debt instruments to support high-impact ventures, a change driven by global macroeconomic pressures and declining venture capital inflows into Africa.

Wave, already active in eight West African countries including Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, Gambia, and most recently Cameroon, is aiming to boost its footprint and possibly move into Central and East Africa. 

While no roadmap has been published, the company’s ongoing recruitment and regulatory conversations in those regions hint at what’s coming.

Wave’s co-founder and CEO, Drew Durbin, captured the company’s urgency: “I’m thrilled about this funding, it means we can help even more people by delivering the best possible product at the lowest possible price.”

Founded in 2018, Wave is bolstering access to finance. The firm has reached over 20 million active users monthly and manages a sprawling network of more than 150,000 agents across the continent. 

In a region where telecom giants like Orange, Free, and Expresso still charge between 5% to 10% per transaction, Wave’s fixed 1% fee for peer-to-peer transfers has become its strongest weapon.

Deposits and withdrawals are free. For bill payments, users pay nothing, merchants carry the cost. It’s a commendable, consumer-first approach that has helped Wave capture the trust of micro-entrepreneurs and women who now use its services to manage finances, save consistently, and gain independence.

Accessibility also drives Wave’s model. Even those without smartphones can use QR cards linked to their accounts, ensuring the platform serves both digital natives and low-income earners equally.

Wave’s business model has turned heads well beyond the continent. In 2021, it became Francophone Africa’s first unicorn with a $1.7 billion valuation following a record-setting $200 million Series A round. Stripe, Sequoia Heritage, and Founders Fund led that funding.

Despite global challenges and past internal restructuring, including a 15% staff cut in 2022, Wave has stabilised with a team of 3,000 employees. The company continues to report strong operational performance and deeper integrations with local banks and utility providers. 

Its long-term goal is to build a full-stack financial infrastructure that can underpin both consumer payments and institutional financial services.

Wave is also the only African startup listed in Y Combinator’s Top 50 revenue-generating companies in 2023 and 2024, showing enduring profitability in a tough investment environment.

For institutions like Finnfund, the real value lies in the impact. According to their data, 80% of Wave users report an improved quality of life, less stress around money, more savings, and a sense of control over their finances.

Wave is showing that mobile money in Africa doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, and with this fresh round of funding, it’s obvious the company isn’t done yet.

While a 39% year-on-year drop in overall funding might seem alarming, several promising trends deserve applause. The number of African startups raising at least $100k funding remained stable, and the average deal size even held steady. 

This suggests that investors remain interested in Africa’s potential, even if they’re tightening their belts.

Interestingly, there was a surge in debt financing, with 47% YoY growth. Debt now constitutes 38% of all funding raised, up from 16% in 2022. This prompts questions about the sustainability of debt-driven growth and its implications for the financial health of African startups.

Discussion Points:

1. Sustainability of Debt-Driven Growth:

Is the reliance on debt a sustainable strategy for African startups?

While debt can be a valuable tool for expansion, sustainability depends on factors like interest rates, repayment terms, and the startup’s ability to generate consistent revenue. African startups need to balance debt with a sound business model and clear repayment plans.

What risks and challenges come with debt financing, and how can startups sail through them?

Risks include interest rate fluctuations, economic downturns, and potential challenges in servicing debt. Startups can scale these by conducting thorough risk assessments, negotiating favourable terms, and ensuring revenue streams are resilient to market changes.

The need for solid and comprehensive business models and revenue streams to service debts.

Successful debt-driven growth requires startups to focus on building comprehensive, scalable business models. A diversified revenue stream ensures consistent cash flow, supporting the ability to meet debt obligations.

2. VCs’ Risk-Averse Behaviour:

Does the decline in equity funding indicate a growing risk aversion among traditional venture capitalists?

VCS may be becoming more risk-averse, possibly due to global economic uncertainties. Startups may need to showcase both innovation and a clear path to profitability to attract traditional venture capital.

How might this impact early-stage startups seeking funding for innovation and growth?

Early-stage startups may face increased challenges in securing funding from traditional VCs. This emphasises the importance of exploring alternative financing options, such as angel investors or crowdfunding, and demonstrating a strong value proposition.

The importance of fostering an environment that supports risk-taking and innovation.

To maintain a growing startup ecosystem, it’s important to create an environment that encourages risk-taking. Supportive policies, mentorship programs, and collaboration between industry stakeholders can foster innovation.

3. Opportunities in Alternative Financing:

What alternative financing options can emerge to complement the rise in debt funding?

Angel investors, crowdfunding platforms, and government grants represent potential alternative financing sources. Encouraging diversity in funding options can provide startups with more flexibility and resilience.

The potential roles of angel investors, crowdfunding platforms, and government grants in diversifying funding sources.

Angel investors bring capital and also mentorship as well as networks. Crowdfunding platforms modify access to funding, while government grants can support strategic initiatives aligned with national goals. Diversification promotes a good and adaptive funding ecosystem.

The necessity of creating an ecosystem that encourages a variety of funding mechanisms.

A diverse funding sector is essential for the sustained growth of startups. Encouraging partnerships between public and private sectors, promoting investor education, and simplifying regulatory processes can contribute to a more dynamic financing environment.

Looking ahead to 2024, I believe the African startup ecosystem will continue to adapt and thrive. Here are some of my predictions and hopes for the new year:

Increased Focus on Profitability:

• With equity access becoming more challenging, startups will prioritise building sustainable businesses with strong unit economics.
• The shift towards profitability and customer value as key success metrics.

The Rise of Fintech and Blockchain:

• Anticipating a surge in startups leveraging fintech and blockchain to enhance financial services in Africa.
• Innovations that enhance accessibility and inclusivity in financial sectors.

Regional Collaboration:

• Recognising the potential benefits of increased collaboration across borders.
• Development of shared infrastructure, knowledge exchange, and cross-border partnerships to overcome resource limitations.

The challenges of 2023 are big lessons and pointers to help walk through 2024.