When the world gathers in Osaka, Japan, for the Global Startup Expo 2025 (GSE2025), Africa will proudly stand among the innovators shaping the future.
Out of 150 startups from across the globe, two African-owned ventures Xiphefu Digital Light from Mozambique and Japan-based but Nigerian-owned ModAstera have been handpicked to showcase their groundbreaking solutions. Their selection is more than symbolic; it is a testament to the continent’s rising entrepreneurial power and its determination to solve some of humanity’s greatest challenges.
Mozambique’s Xiphefu: Powering Lives Through Energy Efficiency
Leading the charge from Southern Africa is Nilza Mazive, co-founder of Xiphefu Digital Light, Lda, a startup reimagining energy efficiency and sustainability. From solar-powered health clinics in rural villages to smart devices that allow users to manage consumption from their phones, Xiphefu is proving that “saving energy can save lives.”
In communities once reliant on kerosene lamps, babies are now born under safe, solar-powered lights. Schools that struggled with erratic electricity now enjoy consistent power for digital learning. Businesses cut costs while protecting the environment. Xiphefu’s mission is clear yet profound:
Waste less energy. Power more lives.
This vision aligns seamlessly with GSE2025’s theme, “Coexistence with the Earth”, where startups will present solutions to climate change, sustainability and environmental resilience.
“We are truly honored by this recognition and excited for the opportunity to showcase our innovation, connect with global leaders and highlight Africa’s growing role in shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship,” said Xiphefu in a statement.
ModAstera: AI for the Future of Healthcare
From West Africa comes Joshua Owoyemi, founder and CEO of ModAstera, a startup building an integrated platform to accelerate AI research and development in health and MedTech. Based between Nigeria and Japan, Owoyemi’s work demonstrates the power of cross-border innovation.
ModAstera is developing tools that promise to revolutionize diagnostics, treatment and drug discovery. By combining Africa’s wealth of untapped data with cutting-edge AI research, the startup aims to make healthcare smarter, faster and more affordable.
Africa’s Startup Ecosystem: From Local Hustle to Global Stage
The presence of Xiphefu and ModAstera at GSE2025 reflects a deeper shift: Africa is no longer just a consumer of technology but a creator of solutions for the world. In 2024 alone, African startups attracted over $3.2 billion in venture funding, with fintech leading the pack but with healthtech, agritech and cleantech rapidly growing.
Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa and Egypt dominate investment flows, but emerging ecosystems in Mozambique, Rwanda and Ghana are gaining visibility.
The continent’s entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned: they innovate out of necessity, building solutions for energy scarcity, healthcare access, food security and climate resilience. These “frugal innovations” are now being recognized as models for sustainable global growth.
Putting Africa on the Global Map
The invitation of these two startups to GSE2025 is more than a corporate milestone it is a story of representation. It signals that African entrepreneurs are no longer at the margins of global innovation conversations. Instead, they are shaping the agenda, offering insights and technologies that the world urgently needs.
Between April and October 2025, Expo visitors in Osaka will have the opportunity to meet these visionary entrepreneurs at their booths, explore their technologies and forge partnerships that could redefine industries.
For Africa, this is a declaration that the continent is ready, willing and able to contribute to global prosperity with resilience and purpose.
