![\"African](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/africa-data-grant-funding.png\")
<\/p>\n\u21d3 More from ICTworks<\/p>\n
\n\t\t\t\t\t\tBy Wayan Vota on September 14, 2026
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AI-native African companies took less than 2% of the continent\u2019s startup funding in the first half of 2026, Gr\u00e9goire de Padirac, CEO of Digital Africa, told BusinessDay<\/a>. Over the same period, the number of African startups raising at least $100,000 fell to 190, the lowest since 2021.<\/p>\n $200,000 Opportunity<\/p>\n Askya AI Growth Platform<\/a> is a six-week program for 10 AI startups based on the African continent. Selected founders get weekly one-on-one coaching, plus cloud and GPU capacity through partner infrastructure providers. Askya may invest up to $200,000 in the cohort\u2019s most promising startup.<\/p>\n Moonshot by TechCabal hosts the cohort reveal in Lagos on October 28 and 29, before an audience Askya puts at 6,000-plus. Tosin Eniolorunda, founder and Group CEO of Moniepoint, is honorary chair of the first cohort.<\/p>\n Askya selects 10 startups meeting all five criteria:<\/p>\n AI-native product. AI must be the core of the value proposition. A feature added to an existing product does not qualify. Nonprofits and research institutions do not qualify. Askya wants commercial startups with revenue.<\/p>\n Apply Now<\/a>: Deadline is September 30, 2026<\/p>\n More Funding Opportunities<\/p>\n Please sign up now <\/a>to get our email updates. Learn how to get startup funding<\/a> for your technology business, and find new funding opportunities<\/a> with donors.<\/p>\n We are constantly publishing fundraising guidance<\/a>\u00a0and competitive insights like this:<\/p>\n \n\tNow Read These Related Posts\n<\/p>\n Filed Under: Funding<\/a> \t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\nCommercial traction. A live product with at least one paying customer or an active pilot.
\nAfrica-focused. Based anywhere on the continent, building for African markets.
\nMVP to Series A. A working product in market, through to Series A.
\nAvailability. Founders can commit 3 to 6 hours a week, in English, October 26 to December 4.<\/p>\n
More About: Artificial Intelligence<\/a>, Project Funding<\/a>, Startups<\/a> <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/b94941f6a8bc374844f084add8e01460.jpeg\")
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