Askya, founded by Babacar Seck, former chief executive of Digital Africa, has opened applications for the first cohort of the Askya AI Growth Platform: a free, zero-equity six-week program for 10 AI startups built in Africa. Askya may invest up to $200,000 in one company after the program. Applications close September 30, 2026.
At a glance
| Deadline | September 30, 2026 |
| Who can apply | AI-native startups based in Africa and serving African markets, from MVP to Series A, with at least one paying customer or active pilot |
| What you get | Weekly one-on-one coaching, cloud and GPU capacity through partners, and a showcase at Moonshot by TechCabal in Lagos |
| Investment | Askya may invest up to $200,000 in one company after the program; participation itself costs nothing and takes no equity |
| Program dates | October 26 to December 4, 2026 |
| Official link | Askya AI Growth Platform application |
Who’s eligible?
As ICTworks reports from the program’s criteria, a startup must meet all five of these:
- AI-native product. AI is the core value proposition, not an added feature.
- Commercial traction. A live product with at least one paying customer or an active pilot.
- Africa-focused. Based on the continent and serving African markets.
- Stage: from MVP to Series A.
- Founder time: 3 to 6 hours per week in English between October 26 and December 4, 2026.
Nonprofits and research institutions are not eligible. Startups from any African country, Anglophone or Francophone, can apply.
What do selected startups get?
- Weekly one-on-one coaching over six weeks.
- Cloud and GPU capacity through Askya’s infrastructure partners.
- A public showcase at Moonshot by TechCabal in Lagos on October 28 and 29, 2026, where the cohort is revealed.
- No fees and no equity taken for participation, according to AllAfrica.
After the program, Askya may invest up to $200,000 in the most promising company. That investment is optional and separate from the program itself. Moniepoint founder Tosin Eniolorunda is the honorary chair of this first cohort, and Magna Collective supports delivery.
How do you apply?
- Check your startup against the five criteria above, especially the paying customer or active pilot requirement.
- Confirm that at least one founder can commit 3 to 6 hours a week from October 26 to December 4, 2026.
- Apply through the official application form before the end of September 30, 2026.
Key dates
- Application deadline: September 30, 2026
- Program starts: October 26, 2026
- Cohort reveal at Moonshot by TechCabal, Lagos: October 28 and 29, 2026
- Program ends: December 4, 2026
FAQ
Does Askya take equity for joining the program?
No. Participation is free and takes no equity. Only the optional investment of up to $200,000 in one company would come with its own terms.
Can a pre-revenue startup apply?
Only if it runs an active pilot. Otherwise you need at least one paying customer.
Is the program in-person?
The coaching is weekly and one-on-one. The only in-person moment announced is the showcase at Moonshot in Lagos.
How many startups are selected?
Ten for the first cohort.
More opportunities on Africapreneurs: Africa’s Data Future Fellowship 2026 and grants for African startups in 2026.
Sources: ICTworks, AllAfrica, TechInAfrica.
