Askya Investment Partners Launches $200,000 Zero-Equity AI Growth Platform for African Startups

Askya Investment Partners has opened applications for the Askya AI Growth Platform, a six-week, zero-equity program offering up to $200,000 in investment to AI-native, Africa-focused startups, with applications closing September 30, 2026.

Program Details

The Askya AI Growth Platform is a hybrid, six-week program combining masterclasses, one-to-one coaching, and company-building support across technology, product, governance, and distribution, alongside access to cloud compute, customers, and talent networks. Participation is free and the program takes no equity in participating companies. Selected startups are eligible for up to $200,000 in investment through Askya's funds.

Eligibility

The program is open to AI-native, Africa-focused startups from pre-seed to Series A stage that already have a live product and demonstrated customer demand. Applications close September 30, 2026.

Leadership and Partners

The platform was founded by Babacar Seck, founder of Askya Investment Partners and former CEO of Digital Africa. Program delivery is run in partnership with Magna Collective, an innovation advisory and execution firm co-founded by Femi Awoniyi, who previously led the Google Black Founders Fund in Africa. Tosin Eniolorunda, founder and group CEO of Moniepoint, serves as honorary chair of the inaugural cohort.

Timeline

The inaugural cohort of 10 startups will be revealed on stage at Moonshot by TechCabal in Lagos on October 28-29, 2026, with the program running through December 4, 2026.

Why it matters

The launch adds a notable zero-equity funding channel to Africa's AI startup ecosystem at a moment when access to non-dilutive capital and infrastructure remains a key constraint for early-stage AI companies on the continent.