AI-native African companies took less than 2% of the continent’s startup funding in the first half of 2026, Grégoire de Padirac, CEO of Digital Africa, told BusinessDay. Over the same period, the number of African startups raising at least $100,000 fell to 190, the lowest since 2021.
$200,000 Opportunity
Askya AI Growth Platform is a six-week program for 10 AI startups based on the African continent. Selected founders get weekly one-on-one coaching, plus cloud and GPU capacity through partner infrastructure providers. Askya may invest up to $200,000 in the cohort’s most promising startup.
Moonshot by TechCabal hosts the cohort reveal in Lagos on October 28 and 29, before an audience Askya puts at 6,000-plus. Tosin Eniolorunda, founder and Group CEO of Moniepoint, is honorary chair of the first cohort.
Askya selects 10 startups meeting all five criteria:
- AI-native product. AI must be the core of the value proposition. A feature added to an existing product does not qualify.
- Commercial traction. A live product with at least one paying customer or an active pilot.
- Africa-focused. Based anywhere on the continent, building for African markets.
- MVP to Series A. A working product in market, through to Series A.
- Availability. Founders can commit 3 to 6 hours a week, in English, October 26 to December 4.
Nonprofits and research institutions do not qualify. Askya wants commercial startups with revenue.
Apply Now: Deadline is September 30, 2026
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