Imagine you’ve got a brilliant idea—a startup that could change your community, a school that needs supplies, or a loved one who urgently needs medical care.
You know the need is real. You know, people would help if they could. But the bank says “no,” investors aren’t calling back, and grants are hard to come by.
So, what now?
This is where crowdfunding comes in—and it’s changing the game for Africans.
Every day, people across the continent are raising capital online through friends, family, strangers, and supporters around the world.
Whether it’s a personal emergency, a small business, or a social impact project, crowdfunding gives you the power to raise money directly from the people who believe in your cause.
That’s why we’ve created this article on the 16 crowdfunding platforms in Africa to help you when launching a product, paying tuition, or scaling your nonprofit.
Let’s dive in.
TL;DR: 16 Crowdfunding Platforms in Africa
| Platform | Focus Area | Type | Region / Access | Currency Support | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M-Changa | Personal, community, nonprofit | Donation-based | East Africa (Kenya-focused) | KES, Mobile Money | Urgent personal needs, school fees, local projects |
| StartSomeGood | Social impact, nonprofit | Donation-based | Global, incl. Africa | USD + global currencies | First-time social campaigns, NGOs |
| Thundafund | Creative, entrepreneurial | Rewards-based | South Africa | ZAR | Pre-orders, small business, creatives |
| JumpStart Africa | Product, tech, creative | Rewards-based | Africa-wide | USD | African innovators with tangible products |
| StartEngine Africa | Startup equity funding | Equity-based | Africa-focused (launching phase) | TBD (likely multi-currency) | Startups seeking investors (esp. diaspora) |
| GoGetFunding | Personal, business, NGO | Donation-based | Global incl. Africa | Multiple | Medical bills, tuition, social projects |
| Indiegogo | Tech, innovation, creative | Rewards / Flexible | Global incl. Africa | USD, global currencies | Product launches, international campaigns |
| Kickstarter | Creative projects only | Rewards / All-or-nothing | Global (some country restrictions) | USD, EUR, etc. | Filmmakers, writers, designers with prototypes |
| FundRazr | Broad: personal, NGO, startup | Donation / Rewards / P2P | Global | USD, global currencies | Group/team fundraisers, schools, humanitarian relief |
| Ulele | Local personal and community needs | Donation-based | Nigeria | NGN | Nigerians raising for health, school, community work |
| Pozible | Creative, innovation, social | Flexible (Donation/Rewards) | Global incl. Africa | USD, AUD, etc. | International creatives and social campaigns |
| Chuffed | Nonprofits and social causes | Donation-based | Global incl. Africa | USD, PayPal, Cards | NGOs, grassroots orgs needing zero platform fees |
| Lita.co | Sustainable startups (impact-first) | Equity-based | West Africa (Senegal-based) | EUR, local currency options | Social entrepreneurs needing long-term capital |
| Kiva | Microloans for small businesses | Lending (not donation) | Africa via local partners | Local currency (via partners) | Rural entrepreneurs, micro-businesses |
| Ioby | Local grassroots projects | Donation-based | U.S. based; diaspora-friendly | USD | Diaspora fundraising for African community projects |
| DonorSee | Urgent humanitarian needs | Donation-based | Africa-wide | USD, Mobile Money options | Medical, crisis, and ultra-urgent fundraising |
16 Crowdfunding Platforms in Africa
1. M-Changa
M-Changa (also branded as EazzyChanga) is the first and largest mobile-based crowdfunding platform in East Africa, headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
Designed for both individuals and organizations, M-Changa lets users create fundraising campaigns in under five minutes.
Contributions can be made via M-Pesa, Airtel Money, Visa/MasterCard, PayPal, and even USSD/SMS—making it one of the most inclusive crowdfunding platforms in Africa.
Campaign types range from school fees, medical emergencies, funerals, and weddings, to business capital, church programs, and community water projects.
Why it works:
M-Changa thrives in Kenya’s mobile-first culture, where over 96% of households have access to a mobile money service (per FSD Kenya). It’s seamlessly integrated with M-Pesa, which is used by over 30 million Kenyans. That means anyone with a basic mobile phone can donate—no internet or smartphone needed.
Some standout features include:
- Live SMS notifications of donations
- Automatic digital receipts
- Admin tools for teams to co-manage a campaign
- Withdrawal options directly to the organizer’s mobile wallet or bank
M-Changa is trusted, simple, and efficient. It builds on Kenya’s unique fintech infrastructure, helping users raise capital in Africa where traditional banking may fall short.
Who should use it:
- Kenyan individuals or families raising funds for urgent needs
- Community organizers collecting support for local projects
- NGOs and startups seeking grassroots support with easy mobile access
2. StartSomeGood
StartSomeGood is a mission-driven crowdfunding platform that supports social entrepreneurs, grassroots nonprofits, and changemakers around the world.
African founders, NGOs, and youth-led organizations have successfully used the platform to raise funds for projects related to education, health, civic engagement, clean energy, and gender equality.
StartSomeGood stands out for being more than just a place to host campaigns—it’s also an educational hub. It offers toolkits, email templates, and optional coaching to help users launch effective campaigns.
Why it works:
Unlike general-purpose platforms, StartSomeGood focuses exclusively on impact-oriented projects. That makes it a natural fit for African initiatives solving real-world problems.
Key features include:
- A supportive, values-aligned donor base
- Project pre-launch planning tools
- Optional guidance from crowdfunding experts
- Flexible funding (keep what you raise even if you don’t hit your goal)
It’s ideal for first-time campaigners and early-stage ventures looking to build confidence, attract early adopters, and test their idea before approaching big donors.
Who should use it:
- African nonprofits and social enterprises
- Founders working on education, healthcare, environment, or equality
- Changemakers launching their first public campaign and seeking coaching
See Also: How to Pitch to Investors: A Guide for First-time African Founders
3. Thundafund
Thundafund is South Africa’s leading rewards-based crowdfunding platform, designed specifically to serve African creatives, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
It allows campaigners to raise funds in exchange for non-financial rewards—such as pre-orders, shout-outs, exclusive merchandise, or event tickets.
Thundafund supports a wide range of project types, from local food businesses and tech gadgets to theater productions and social ventures. It also works with nonprofit organizations, schools, and community groups.
Why it works:
Thundafund’s model is built around community empowerment. It’s tailored to the South African context with:
- Local currency support (South African Rand)
- Tiered rewards to encourage donor engagement
- Hands-on support during campaign planning
Creators get guidance on storytelling, budgeting, and reward structuring. Unlike donation platforms, Thundafund encourages entrepreneurship by giving backers something in return for their support—creating a win-win dynamic.
Who should use it:
- South African entrepreneurs with product- or service-based offerings
- Creatives—filmmakers, musicians, designers—seeking pre-launch funding
- Community groups launching projects with local impact and tangible rewards
4. JumpStart Africa
JumpStart Africa is one of the first crowdfunding platforms built specifically to support African innovators and creators.
It provides a space where entrepreneurs, inventors, designers, and changemakers can present their ideas and raise funds from a global audience.
Unlike donation-focused platforms, JumpStart Africa emphasizes product-based and creative campaigns. It enables campaigners to offer perks like early product access, branded merchandise, or prototypes in return for support.
The platform supports categories such as tech, fashion, art, and community-focused projects.
Why it works:
JumpStart Africa bridges a major gap—connecting African innovation with global support. It offers:
- A tailored platform for showcasing African-made products
- Integrated campaign management tools (videos, updates, images)
- Focused mentorship and exposure to international audiences
Storytelling is at the heart of its strategy. Creators are encouraged to explain not just what their product is, but why it matters—to their community, country, and continent.
Who should use it:
- African inventors and makers with tangible products
- Designers and artists looking to scale creative work
- Social entrepreneurs solving real problems with innovative tools
5. StartEngine Africa
StartEngine Africa is an equity crowdfunding platform aiming to revolutionize startup fundraising across the continent.
Modeled after successful platforms like StartEngine in the U.S., it will enable African entrepreneurs to raise capital by offering equity (shares) in their businesses to everyday investors, including individuals in the diaspora.
Unlike donation or reward-based platforms, StartEngine Africa will operate under investment crowdfunding principles, meaning contributors become partial owners.
This helps build long-term commitment from supporters and allows startups to raise larger sums of capital without going through traditional venture capital routes.
Why it works:
Africa’s startup ecosystem is growing fast, but funding remains a major hurdle. Venture capital often focuses on a few countries and industries, leaving many out. StartEngine Africa aims to democratize access to capital by:
- Allowing non-accredited investors to invest small amounts
- Tapping into the African diaspora eager to support home-grown businesses
- Creating legal and financial infrastructure for regulated equity crowdfunding
It also promises education resources and campaign guidance for startups unfamiliar with the process of raising public investment.
Why it’s important:
Equity crowdfunding is still emerging in Africa. By offering regulated, transparent access to early-stage capital, StartEngine Africa could open up opportunities for:
- Fintech startups in underserved regions
- Agritech businesses that struggle to scale
- Youth and women-led enterprises
Who can use it:
- Scalable startups needing seed or growth funding
- Entrepreneurs in countries with limited VC access
- Diaspora investors looking for impact and returns
Read Also: Why Freelancing in Africa is Booming (& How You Can Profit From It)
6. GoGetFunding
GoGetFunding is a global crowdfunding platform open to users in over 150 countries, including many across Africa.
It allows individuals, businesses, and organizations to raise money for virtually any cause—ranging from personal needs like medical bills and tuition to launching small businesses or social impact projects.
Users can create customized campaign pages, set goals, upload photos and videos, and collect donations online. It accepts multiple payment options, including PayPal, Stripe, and major debit/credit cards, making it accessible to both local and international supporters.
Why it works:
What sets GoGetFunding apart is its simplicity and flexibility. It doesn’t restrict the types of campaigns allowed and provides easy-to-use fundraising tools even for first-time users.
Africans have successfully used the platform for:
- Emergency medical treatment funding
- School and university tuition support
- Startup capital for fashion, food, and digital businesses
- NGO fundraising for community development
It’s also known for strong customer support and extensive help resources that guide users on campaign promotion, donor engagement, and storytelling.
Why it’s important:
Because it’s available in many African countries, GoGetFunding has become a go-to choice for fundraisers needing global reach. It bridges local needs with diaspora and international donors.
Who should use it:
- Individuals needing personal or family support
- NGOs and grassroots groups with small budgets
- Entrepreneurs wanting to test a new product or service
7. Indiegogo
Indiegogo is one of the most recognized crowdfunding platforms worldwide. It supports a wide range of projects—from tech innovations and creative endeavors to community development and entrepreneurial ventures.
African users can create campaigns in multiple categories and raise funds from backers across the globe.
Unlike Kickstarter, Indiegogo offers more flexibility. Creators can choose between two funding models:
- Fixed funding (goal must be met to receive funds)
- Flexible funding (keep funds even if goal isn’t met)
It also supports international payments, multiple currencies, and integration with tools like Facebook and Google Analytics.
Why it works:
Indiegogo is ideal for African entrepreneurs and creatives looking for international exposure. Its platform is rich in features such as:
- Pre-launch pages to build anticipation
- InDemand campaigns (to keep raising money even after hitting the goal)
- Analytics and tracking tools to measure performance
It’s especially powerful for tech and innovation projects—like smart devices, mobile apps, or green energy tools—because the global community is always on the lookout for the next big thing.
Who should use it:
- Tech startups and product innovators
- Filmmakers, designers, and musicians
- Social entrepreneurs seeking global backers
8. Kickstarter
Kickstarter is one of the most prestigious crowdfunding platforms globally, renowned for supporting creative projects in areas like art, music, design, publishing, film, and games.
It operates on an all-or-nothing funding model—campaigns must meet their fundraising goal to receive any money.
African creatives, especially those in eligible countries or collaborating with partners abroad, can launch campaigns targeting international supporters. Campaigns must offer a product, project, or event—not personal causes or ongoing charity work.
Why it works:
Kickstarter has a highly engaged global audience that actively backs innovative and well-presented ideas. Its strengths include:
- High visibility in creative communities
- Built-in tools for storytelling (videos, rewards, updates)
- Support for creators through educational content and FAQs
Kickstarter is especially effective for African artists, writers, and designers who:
- Have a polished product or prototype
- Can ship rewards globally
- Have access to a payment processor supported by the platform
Who should use it:
- Artists, writers, and filmmakers
- Game designers and product inventors
- Creatives with strong storytelling and production skills
9. FundRazr
FundRazr is a global crowdfunding platform designed to support a wide range of campaigns, including personal causes, nonprofits, startups, and social enterprises. It offers donation-based fundraising, rewards-based models, and peer-to-peer team fundraising options.
African users can create campaigns to fund medical bills, education, humanitarian relief, or even small business ventures. The platform also supports integration with websites and social media, making it easy to spread the word.
Why it works:
FundRazr stands out for its versatility and built-in tools for donor engagement. Here’s why it’s effective:
- Accepts global payments and supports multiple currencies
- Offers customizable donation pages with video, photos, and updates
- Integrates easily with Facebook and other social channels
- Provides analytics and donor management tools
One of its biggest strengths is its collaborative features. Teams or organizations can invite multiple fundraisers to support a single cause, which is ideal for NGOs, school campaigns, or disaster relief efforts in Africa.
Who should use it:
- NGOs and nonprofit projects
- Entrepreneurs seeking flexible campaigns
- Individuals needing funds for education, health, or emergencies
10. Ulele
Ulele is a Nigerian-based crowdfunding platform designed to address local funding needs. It focuses on social entrepreneurship, personal fundraising, and community development.
Users can raise money for a variety of purposes, including medical emergencies, education, business ventures, and nonprofit causes—all in the local currency, Naira.
The platform allows campaign creators to set goals, tell their story, and receive contributions from individuals both within and outside Nigeria. Ulele emphasizes transparency and local impact.
Why it works:
Ulele’s strength lies in its focus on Nigeria’s specific financial and social environment:
- It allows fundraising in Naira, which is more accessible to local donors
- Supports secure local payment methods like Paystack and Flutterwave
- Offers tools for social media sharing and campaign tracking
- Built-in community of Nigerian backers and change-makers
Because it’s tailored to the local market, it understands the urgency of many causes in Nigeria and provides fast disbursement and easy campaign setup.
Who should use it:
- Nigerians raising funds for local causes
- Social entrepreneurs and changemakers
- Small business owners and community leaders
Read Also: How to Start a Freelance Business in Africa (Step-by-Step Guide)
11. Pozible
Pozible is a global crowdfunding platform based in Australia that supports creative, community-driven, and entrepreneurial campaigns.
While it’s not African-owned, it’s accessible to African users and is especially friendly toward international projects.
Campaigns on Pozible can raise money for films, music, publishing, science, education, social causes, and even new technology—making it a versatile option for a wide range of fundraisers.
Why it works:
Pozible stands out because of its flexibility and support:
- Accepts projects from African users with a verified Stripe or PayPal account
- Offers both “all-or-nothing” and “flexible funding” options
- Provides mentoring, campaign guides, and even strategy consulting
- Strong focus on helping independent creators tell their stories effectively
It’s particularly useful for African creatives and NGOs aiming to connect with Australian or global audiences interested in meaningful, innovative work.
Who should use it:
- Creatives with international audiences
- African NGOs looking for global exposure
- Entrepreneurs launching innovative or cultural products
12. Chuffed
Chuffed is a global crowdfunding platform focused entirely on social causes. It’s especially popular among nonprofits, educators, activists, and community leaders.
African users have successfully used Chuffed to support campaigns related to education, women’s rights, healthcare, and environmental justice.
Chuffed is different from for-profit crowdfunding platforms because it’s mission-driven. It offers tools and coaching specifically designed for cause-based fundraising.
Why it works:
- No platform fees: 100% of the money raised goes directly to the cause (only third-party payment fees apply)
- Story-driven campaigns: Helps users create powerful stories to inspire donations
- Supportive network: Backed by a community of donors who care about social impact
- Global accessibility: Open to campaigners from across Africa, with donations accepted via card or PayPal
Who should use it:
- Nonprofits working in education, environment, or equality
- Grassroots organizations that need low-fee fundraising tools
- First-time fundraisers looking for storytelling support
13. Lita.co
Lita.co is an equity crowdfunding platform based in Senegal that connects socially and environmentally responsible African businesses with impact-driven investors.
Entrepreneurs list their companies on the platform and offer shares in exchange for capital.
It’s designed to support sustainable development goals by focusing on startups that are aligned with environmental protection, social inclusion, and ethical finance.
Why it works:
- Equity-based model: Unlike donation crowdfunding, investors receive shares and can earn returns
- Impact-first investing: Prioritizes companies that create social or environmental value
- Local relevance: Helps West African startups access patient capital from both African and European investors
- Support beyond funding: Lita.co provides ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) screening, investor matching, and transparency tools
Who should use it:
- African startups in green tech, social enterprise, or ethical finance
- Entrepreneurs seeking long-term investors who align with their mission
- Founders looking to grow beyond local markets and attract international backers
14. Kiva
Kiva is a global nonprofit that allows people to lend small amounts of money—typically $25 or more—to entrepreneurs and small businesses, including thousands across Africa.
It’s not a donation platform but a micro-lending network, where the funds are expected to be repaid.
African users can access Kiva loans through local microfinance institutions, social enterprises, or field partners who list their profiles on the platform.
Kiva supports a wide range of causes, from smallholder farming to artisan shops to school tuition.
Why it works:
- Micro-loans, not donations: Borrowers repay lenders over time, building financial discipline and creditworthiness
- Low-interest access: Kiva loans often come with little to no interest, easing the burden on small businesses
- Global reach: Kiva’s platform is supported by millions of lenders in over 190 countries
- Focus on underbanked regions: Many African entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional banking benefit from the Kiva model
Who should use it:
- Small business owners and solo entrepreneurs in rural or low-income areas
- NGOs or community groups partnering with microfinance institutions
- Individuals looking for non-traditional capital without selling equity
15. Ioby (In Our Back Yard)
Ioby is a U.S.-based grassroots crowdfunding platform that supports local community projects. Though U.S.-centric, it’s accessible to African diaspora members raising funds for initiatives back home.
It empowers neighborhood-scale campaigns—such as community gardens, solar‑lighting installations, and education workshops—with a strong emphasis on storytelling and civic engagement.
Why it works:
- Focus on hyper-local campaigns gives donors clarity on the exact impact of their contribution
- Training and coaching offered to organizers, including templates and matching grant opportunities
- Encourages collaboration—multiple local hosts can co-manage a project
- Strong engagement tools—updates, social media integration, offline event planning
Who should use it:
- Diaspora fundraisers organizing grassroots projects in their home communities
- Local African organizers looking for campaign training and community-building support
- Environmental, educational, or civic initiatives needing peer-to-peer local backing
See Also: Movie Review: ‘To Kill a Monkey’
16. DonorSee
DonorSee is a crowdfunding platform built for urgent humanitarian and development needs—primarily in Africa.
It enables campaign creators (often volunteers or NGOs) to post short video pitches showing the exact need—such as a medical procedure, classroom equipment, or community well—then receive immediate donations.
Why it works:
- Video-based transparency: donors see exactly where their money goes
- Short timelines and quick payout systems for urgent causes
- Gratitude-focused structure: recipients often send personal video thank-yous
- Trust-based model ideal for remote or grassroots communities
Who should use it:
- NGOs or volunteers documenting urgent community needs
- Fundraisers looking to show real-time impact with minimal overhead
- Acute medical or infrastructure needs where speed and trust matter
Conclusion
Crowdfunding in Africa is no longer just a niche alternative—it’s becoming a mainstream and trusted way to fund ideas, needs, and innovations.
With mobile money integration, storytelling tools, donor support, and even equity and crypto options, African creators and changemakers have more choices than ever before.
The key to success lies in choosing the platform that aligns with your mission, audience, and resources.
Whether you’re building a business, supporting a community project, or responding to a crisis, the right crowdfunding platform can connect you with people who care and are ready to help.
FAQs
What’s the best platform for personal emergencies like medical bills or tuition?
Platforms like M-Changa, GoFundMe, DonorSee, and FundRazr are ideal for personal or urgent needs. They support fast payouts, are easy to use, and integrate with mobile money or global payment systems.
Can I raise money in my local currency?
Yes. Platforms like M-Changa, Thundafund, and Ulele allow fundraising in local currencies like KES, ZAR, or NGN. This makes donating easier for local supporters.
What if my audience is outside Africa, like the diaspora?
Global platforms such as Indiegogo, Kickstarter, Chuffed, and GoGetFunding allow you to reach international supporters. Many campaigns successfully raise funds from the African diaspora for projects back home.
Is there a platform where I can offer investors equity in my startup?
Yes. Platforms like Lita.co (Senegal) and the StartEngine Africa offer equity crowdfunding, where supporters receive shares in return for their investment.
What’s the difference between crowdfunding and micro-lending?
Crowdfunding typically involves donations or investments, while micro-lending platforms like Kiva allow people to lend small amounts that are expected to be repaid over time. Microloans are best for small businesses looking to grow without giving up ownership.
Leave a comment and follow us on social media for more tips:
- Facebook: Today Africa
- Instagram: Today Africa
- Twitter: Today Africa
- LinkedIn: Today Africa
- YouTube: Today Africa Studio
