Cape Verde got the world's attention. Francophone African tech still needs it

The world was captivated by Cape Verde's stunning performance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the smallest nation to ever reach the knockout stage, the island nation captured the hearts of millions. But as the spotlight shone bright on Cape Verde, another story went largely untold: the economic powerhouse of Francophone West Africa remains woefully underappreciated.

The French-speaking region of West Africa has long been a hub of economic growth, with some of the continent's fastest-growing economies and a vibrant startup ecosystem. Yet, despite this, the region remains shrouded in invisibility. Investors, accelerators, and tech media outlets continue to focus on Anglophone Africa, leaving Francophone markets and startups in the shadows.

Cape Verde's World Cup run was a poignant reminder of the paradox facing Francophone Africa. The country's success was not solely due to its football prowess, but also its ability to capture the world's attention. As the nation's football team won hearts around the globe, its economy, too, began to gain recognition. But what about other Francophone economies, which have been quietly thriving for years?

The region's economic markets are designed to keep Francophone Africa isolated, with few opportunities for international investment or collaboration. As a result, startups and entrepreneurs in Francophone Africa face significant challenges in accessing capital, talent, and markets. This self-perpetuating cycle of isolation has led to a lack of visibility for the region's economies, which are often overlooked in favor of their Anglophone counterparts.

The tech industry, in particular, has been slow to recognize the potential of Francophone Africa. Despite the region's growing startup ecosystem and innovative spirit, few tech media outlets have bothered to cover the area. This lack of attention has resulted in a dearth of investment and support for Francophone startups, which are often forced to operate in the shadows of their more prominent Anglophone counterparts.

• Cape Verde became the smallest nation to ever reach the knockout stage of the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
• Francophone West Africa has some of the continent's fastest-growing economies.
• The region has a vibrant startup ecosystem, but remains underappreciated by investors and tech media outlets.

As I write this, I am struck by the irony of Cape Verde's World Cup run. While the nation's football team captured the world's attention, its economy remains largely invisible. But it is not just Cape Verde that is affected by this lack of visibility. Francophone Africa's economies, too, are struggling to be seen and heard. It is time for the world to take notice of this vibrant region, with its thriving startups, innovative spirit, and economic growth.