Apply for $200,000 – an Opportunity for AI Startups

African AI-native companies attracted less than 2% of the continent’s total startup funding during the first half of 2026, according to Grégoire de Padirac, CEO of Digital Africa, who spoke to BusinessDay. During the same period, only 190 African startups raised at least $100,000 – the lowest figure recorded since 2021.

$200,000 Opportunity for AI Startups

Against this challenging funding environment, Askya AI Growth Platform has launched a six-week programme targeting 10 AI startups operating from Africa.

Selected founders will receive weekly one-on-one coaching, alongside access to cloud and GPU resources provided through Askya’s infrastructure partners. The programme could also provide an investment of up to $200,000 to the most promising startup in the cohort.

The first cohort will be unveiled during Moonshot by TechCabal in Lagos on October 28 and 29, with organisers expecting an audience of more than 6,000 people. Tosin Eniolorunda, founder and Group CEO of Moniepoint, will serve as honorary chair of the inaugural cohort.

To qualify, startups must meet five key requirements:

• AI-native product: Artificial intelligence must be central to the company’s value proposition rather than simply an added feature.
• Commercial traction: The startup must have a live product with at least one paying customer or an active pilot.
• Africa-focused: Applicants must be based somewhere on the African continent and develop products targeting African markets.
• MVP to Series A: Startups must have a working product in the market and be at a stage ranging from MVP through Series A.
• Availability: Founders must be able to commit between three and six hours per week in English from October 26 to December 4.

Nonprofits and research institutions are not eligible. The programme is specifically seeking commercial startups that have demonstrated revenue or market traction.

Applications close on September 30, 2026.