On stage at Deep Learning Indaba 2026, at Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos, investment fund Askya Investment Partners unveiled its new program, the Askya AI Growth Platform. The stated goal: to help a generation of technology companies emerge across the continent with the staying power to last. Ten start-ups will be selected for this first cohort, each eligible to receive up to $200,000 through funds managed by Askya.
The program's distinguishing feature lies in its structure. Unlike most acceleration programs on the continent, it takes no equity stake in the companies selected and charges no entry fee. The program was designed and is run in partnership with Magna Collective, which brings its expertise in supporting technology start-ups.
Dakar-based Babacar Seck, founder and managing partner of Askya Investment Partners and former CEO of Digital Africa, is driving the project. He brought in a heavyweight sponsor to chair this first cohort: Tosin Eniolorunda, founder and group CEO of Moniepoint, the Nigerian payments unicorn.
The program runs over six weeks in a hybrid format mixing remote sessions and in-person meetings. It combines masterclasses, one-on-one coaching, and meetups with partner companies, covering everything from technology and product development to governance and sales. Selected start-ups will also gain access to computing and cloud hosting resources.
To apply, a company must be "AI-native" — built around artificial intelligence rather than having added it later — focused on the African market, and at a stage between pre-seed and Series A. Askya requires a working product and demonstrated customer demand: no PowerPoint-only pitches. The application deadline is set for September 30.
In an ecosystem where taking an equity stake remains the norm for any funding, even early-stage, this zero-dilution choice stands out. It reflects a bet: that supporting young companies without immediately taking a share of them pays off over time for businesses that still need to prove their model before attracting more conventional funding rounds.
