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Since 2016, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has backed 2 African startups across 5 disclosed funding rounds totaling $404M, most heavily in Nigeria and HR & Talent.
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) is a philanthropic organization founded in 2015 by Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg. Structured as a limited liability company, it focuses on tackling society's toughest challenges through grantmaking and investments in areas such as science, education, and community needs. CZI provides operational support across its initiatives and has awarded billions in grants while investing nearly $300 million in ventures aligned with its mission. In Africa, CZI has been active from June 2016 to March 2022, participating in five funding rounds totaling $404 million. It invested primarily in HR & Talent companies in Nigeria (four rounds) and Agri Tech in Kenya (one round), targeting Series B through Series E stages. Key investments include multiple rounds in Andela, a talent platform, and Apollo Agriculture, which supports small-scale farmers. CZI frequently co-invested with firms like Spark Capital and CRE Venture Capital, demonstrating collaborative approaches in its venture portfolio.
Data updated · Jul 29, 2026
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative has backed 2 African startups across 5 disclosed funding rounds tracked on Liners, totaling $404M since 2016.
Mostly Series B: 2 of its 5 tracked rounds are at that stage, followed by Series E (1).
Its tracked rounds lean toward HR & Talent (4), Agri Tech (1).
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative most often shares rounds with Spark Capital (4 shared deals), CRE Venture Capital (3 shared deals), Vision Fund (2 shared deals).
Chan Zuckerberg Initiative backed Andela in four rounds (Series B, C, D, E) in Nigeria and Apollo Agriculture in a Series B round in Kenya. These investments focus on HR & Talent and Agri Tech sectors.
