Grace Ashiru
African artificial intelligence startups have a new opportunity to access funding, technical resources and business support through the Askya AI Growth Platform, a six-week programme designed for AI-native companies operating across the continent.
The programme will select 10 African AI startups for a cohort running from October 26 to December 4, 2026. Participating founders will receive weekly one-on-one coaching as well as access to cloud computing and GPU infrastructure through Askya’s partners. Askya may invest up to $200,000 in the most promising company in the cohort.
Eligible companies must have artificial intelligence at the core of their products rather than using AI simply as an additional feature. Applicants must also have a working product, at least one paying customer or active pilot, and be focused on African markets. Companies from MVP stage through Series A are eligible to apply.
The programme is targeted at commercial startups, meaning nonprofits and research institutions are not eligible.
The selected companies are expected to be unveiled during Moonshot by TechCabal in Lagos on October 28 and 29, with Moniepoint founder and Group CEO Tosin Eniolorunda serving as honorary chair of the inaugural cohort.
The initiative arrives as AI-focused African startups continue to face a difficult funding environment. According to figures cited by ICTworks, AI-native companies received less than 2% of African startup funding during the first half of 2026, while the number of African startups raising at least $100,000 fell to 190, the lowest level since 2021.
Applications for the Askya AI Growth Platform close on September 30, 2026.
