Africa Elbowroom

Delta Adopts LIFE-ND Model to Train 10,000 Youths in Commercial Agriculture
The Delta State Government has announced plans to adopt the agribusiness incubation model of the Livelihood Improvement Family Enterprises-Niger Delta (LIFE-ND) programme to train 10,000 youths in commercial agriculture.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Val Arenyeka, disclosed this on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, in Asaba during the pre-wrap-up meeting of the Sixth Joint Supervision Mission of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and other key implementation partners.

Arenyeka said the LIFE-ND agribusiness incubation model had demonstrated its capacity to generate measurable economic growth and improve livelihoods in rural communities across the Niger Delta.

According to him, the state government is committed to sustaining and expanding the model to equip young people with the skills, resources and business opportunities required to participate effectively in commercial agriculture.

The joint supervision mission, which included representatives of IFAD, the Federal Government, the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), and the Federal Ministries of Agriculture and Finance, conducted inspections of various LIFE-ND project sites across the state.

During the field visits, the team inspected agricultural facilities in Agbor-Obi and Ekuma communities in Ika South Local Government Area.

The facilities included three greenhouses cultivating habanero and bell peppers, open-field vegetable farms, as well as a five-compartment poultry pen incorporating biogas brooding and Black Soldier Fly technologies for converting waste into useful agricultural resources.

The mission also inspected a mini oil palm processing plant, an open market and lock-up shops at Emu-Obodeti in Ndokwa West Local Government Area.

The facilities are part of efforts to strengthen agricultural value chains and provide rural entrepreneurs with access to productive assets that can support sustainable businesses and create employment opportunities.

During its initial six-year implementation cycle, Delta State exceeded its baseline target of 4,250 beneficiaries, reaching 4,373 rural entrepreneurs.

The state is also expected to reach an additional 10,805 participants under the programme’s Additional Financing Phase.

Speaking on the overall performance of the programme, the LIFE-ND National Project Coordinator, Dr Abiodun Sanni, said the initiative had achieved more than 85 per cent of its overall objectives across the nine participating Niger Delta states.

Arenyeka, however, stressed the need to strengthen community-led structures to ensure the sustainability of the programme beyond government and donor interventions.

He specifically highlighted the importance of the Commodity Apex Development Association (CADA) and the LIFE-ND Agribusiness Innovative Forum (LABIF), saying stronger local institutions would enable farmers to independently manage processing facilities, mobilise capital and sustain agricultural value chains.

He noted that the structures would be particularly important in strengthening value chains across key commodities, including cassava, oil palm, fisheries and poultry.

The Commissioner said the state government’s decision to continue with the LIFE-ND incubation model was aimed at building on the programme’s achievements while creating more opportunities for young people to pursue agriculture as a viable commercial enterprise.

He added that empowering youths and rural entrepreneurs through practical agricultural training, access to productive assets and stronger community institutions would contribute significantly to the state’s economic development.

Call for Applications: GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS Free SEED Solar PV Installation Training (Free Training + COREN Certification)
Applications are open for the Siemens Energy Education and Development (SEED) Solar PV Installation Training Programme, supported by the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).

The training is supported by NESP, a technical assistance programme co-funded by the European Union and the German Government and implemented by GIZ.

The programme is designed to equip professionals, technicians and young graduates with practical and technical skills needed to work in Nigeria’s growing renewable energy sector.

Participants will receive three weeks of intensive on-site training combining theoretical instruction, hands-on practical sessions, technical site visits and competency assessments. Upon successful completion, participants will receive a COREN Certificate.

About the SEED Project
The Siemens Energy Education and Development (SEED) project aims to contribute to developing a skilled energy workforce in Nigeria.

Approximately 6,000 energy sector professionals are expected to receive training over the next five years through the initiative.

Who Can Apply?
The programme encourages applications from both formal education and practical experience-based backgrounds.

Applicants may include:

Individuals with at least 2 years of practical experience in relevant areas. Formal education is not required.
Recent National Diploma (ND), Higher National Diploma (HND) and university graduates
Young professionals in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Renewable Energy or related technical fields
Professionals and technicians currently working or seeking to work in the renewable energy sector

Programme Benefits
Selected participants will gain:
Practical, hands-on Solar PV installation skills
Three weeks of intensive onsite training
Industry-relevant renewable energy experience
A nationally recognised certificate
COREN certification upon completion
Practical exposure through technical site visits
Competency assessment to validate acquired skills
Free training and certification
Meals on training days
Note: GIZ-NESP and Siemens Energy will not provide accommodation or transportation support. Applicants are responsible for making their own arrangements for transportation and accommodation where required.

Training Locations and Dates
Stream 1 – Cycle 1
📍 SEED Training Centre, Abeokuta, Ogun State
📅 September 2026

Stream 2 – Cycle 2
📍 NESP Training Partner, Lagos State
📅 October 2026

Application Deadline
September 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM

How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants should complete the application form before the deadline: LINK IN COMMENT

Call for Applications: Kilimo Corps Free Markets & Agripreneurship Fellowship 2026
Applications are open for the Kilimo Corps Markets & Agripreneurship Fellowship 2026, a free, three-month online fellowship for young Africans interested in building businesses and solutions in the agricultural sector.

The Pan-African fellowship is open to Africans aged 18–35, including those who already run agricultural enterprises and those still developing an idea or exploring opportunities in the agrifood market.

Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:

Be a citizen of an African country
Be between 18 and 35 years old
Be building an agricultural enterprise
Be developing an early-stage agricultural idea
Be working on a market solution
Be exploring an agricultural enterprise or opportunity
You do not necessarily need an existing business to apply.

Applicants can apply with:

An agricultural problem they want to solve
A market opportunity they have identified
An agricultural enterprise idea
An early-stage initiative
What Participants Will Learn
During the three-month fellowship, participants will develop knowledge and practical skills in:

Agricultural markets
Costing and pricing
Customer research
Agricultural value chains
Regional agrifood trade
Agripreneurship and market development
Participants will also work on a practical capstone project to apply what they learn throughout the fellowship.

Fellowship Format
Duration: 3 months
Format: Online
Cost: Free
Cohort: Pan-African
Age: 18–35
Application Deadline
September 20, 2026

How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants should complete the online application form before the deadline.

To Apply: LINK IN COMMENT

Call For Applications: FG CREDICORP C.L.I.C.K.D Programme for Students and Entrepreneurs – Credit for Laptops and Digital Devices.
Nigerians looking to access laptops, smartphones, tablets and other digital devices can now express their interest in the C.L.I.C.K.D. programme, an initiative of the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) designed to make essential technology more affordable through consumer credit.
The programme, whose name stands for Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity & Knowledge Devices, is aimed at helping Nigerians access the digital tools they need for learning, work, entrepreneurship and other economic activities.

Rather than requiring beneficiaries to pay the full cost of a device upfront, C.L.I.C.K.D. allows eligible Nigerians to access devices through credit and repay over an agreed period.

What is the C.L.I.C.K.D. Programme?
C.L.I.C.K.D. is CREDICORP’s flagship digital-device initiative, created to address the challenge of Nigerians being unable to afford productivity devices upfront.

Through the programme, Nigerians can access devices including:
Laptops
Smartphones
Tablets
Connectivity devices
Digital learning equipment
The programme works with trusted financial institutions, vendors and other ecosystem partners to provide access to devices through consumer credit.

CREDICORP is a Development Finance Institution of the Federal Government of Nigeria with a mandate to expand access to responsible consumer credit for Nigeria’s working population.

Who Can Benefit?
The programme is designed for Nigerians who need digital devices for activities such as:

Online learning and professional courses
Remote work and freelancing
Digital entrepreneurship
Business operations
Digital payments and customer management
Access to online opportunities and services
C.L.I.C.K.D.’s first national pilot is being launched in partnership with the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy. Through the pilot, eligible 3MTT participants can access laptops and other work-ready devices on credit.

What Can You Access?
Depending on eligibility and the available credit options, participants can access productivity and learning devices such as:

Laptops: Suitable for digital work, business management, online learning and professional activities.

Smartphones: For communication, digital payments, business operations and access to online services.

Tablets: For learning, content consumption and other digital activities.

Connectivity devices: Tools that help users stay connected to the internet.

Digital learning equipment: Devices needed to participate in digital education and skills development.

How Does the Credit Work?
C.L.I.C.K.D. is structured around responsible consumer credit.

The process involves:
Explore available credit options that fit your needs.
Choose a participating financial institution (PFI).
Apply for credit through the selected financial institution.
Receive your device once your credit application is approved.
The credit is repaid over time rather than requiring the full cost of the device upfront.

CREDICORP also states that successful repayments can help beneficiaries build their credit history.

Benefits for Students and Entrepreneurs
For students and people building digital careers, access to a reliable laptop or smartphone can support online courses, certifications and other learning opportunities.

For entrepreneurs and small business owners, digital devices can be used to manage customers, accept digital payments, promote products online, work remotely and run other business operations.

CREDICORP says the programme is intended to help Nigerians access the tools needed to learn, work, earn and participate in the digital economy.

Is C.L.I.C.K.D. a Grant?
No.

Applicants should understand that C.L.I.C.K.D. is a credit programme, not a free laptop or cash grant scheme.

Eligible beneficiaries receive devices through consumer credit and are expected to repay according to the terms of the credit provided by the participating financial institution.

The programme’s flexible repayment structure is intended to make the cost of essential digital devices more manageable for eligible Nigerians.

How to Express Interest
Interested Nigerians can visit the official CREDICORP C.L.I.C.K.D. page and select “I’m Interested” to begin the process: LINK IN COMMENT

Call For Applications: UNDP Remote Internship in Digital, AI and Innovation 2026 ($500 Monthly Stipend with Training)
Applications are open for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Digital, AI and Innovation Internship 2026, a remote opportunity for students and recent graduates interested in digital transformation, artificial intelligence, innovation and international development.
The internship is hosted by UNDP’s Digital, AI and Innovation (DAI) Hub and gives successful candidates an opportunity to contribute to projects and initiatives supporting digitalisation, innovation and sustainable development.

What the Internship Offers
Selected interns can benefit from:

Remote, home-based work
A monthly stipend in line with UNDP internship policy
Practical experience in digital transformation, AI and innovation
Exposure to international development work
Opportunities to contribute to research, policy and programme initiatives
Learning and professional development opportunities.
UNDP states that internship stipends vary depending on the assignment and internship arrangement. The official vacancy and UNDP policy should therefore be checked for the applicable stipend details.

Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is generally open to eligible candidates who meet one of the following requirements:

Are enrolled in a graduate programme
Are in the final academic year of a first university degree
Have graduated with a university degree and can begin the internship within the required period after graduation.
UNDP internships are designed for students and recent graduates and generally do not require previous professional work experience.

Areas of Work
Interns may support work across areas such as:
Artificial intelligence
Digital transformation
Innovation
Data and analytics
Systems transformation
Research and policy development
Knowledge management
Digital and AI initiatives across UNDP operations
Capacity-building activities.
Application Requirements
Applicants should be prepared to submit:

A brief cover letter in English
A current and complete CV in English
Information required through the UNDP application process.
The vacancy may also require applicants to complete an additional application form alongside the main UNDP careers application.

Application Deadline
📅 Deadline: September 30, 2026

Applications are reportedly reviewed on a rolling basis, so eligible applicants are encouraged to apply early.

Why You Should Apply
This opportunity may be particularly valuable for students and recent graduates seeking international experience in AI, digital technologies, innovation and sustainable development.

As the internship is remote, successful candidates can potentially contribute to UNDP’s work without relocating for the assignment, subject to the terms of the specific internship arrangement.

How To Apply
Interested applicants can apply through the official UNDP careers portal: LINK IN COMMENT

Call For Applications: e-MOVE ComCashew for Young Entrepreneurs With Innovative Cashew Business Ideas (€2,000 business funding)
Young entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas in the cashew sector can now apply for the e-MOVE funding opportunity by MOVE-ComCashew, with selected winners eligible to receive €2,000 in direct business funding or practical technology support.
The current submission window is open from September to October 2026 and is designed to help young and emerging agripreneurs turn ideas within the cashew value chain into investment-ready, climate-smart businesses.

In addition to the funding option, winners can receive a laptop, tablet or software to support their business operations.

What is the e-MOVE Opportunity?
e-MOVE is an initiative of MOVE-ComCashew, implemented by GIZ through its agricultural value-chain programmes.

The initiative supports young and emerging entrepreneurs in the cashew sector by combining free online learning with an opportunity to develop and submit a business idea for potential support.

Applicants are expected to use knowledge gained from the e-MOVE courses to develop an AgriCanvas, which outlines their business model and demonstrates how the proposed venture can become investment-ready.

What Can Winners Receive?
Selected winners can receive one of the following kickstart prizes:

€2,000 in direct funding to support their business
A laptop, tablet or software to strengthen business operations
The initiative is particularly interested in business ideas that can contribute to climate-smart and resilient agricultural practices within the cashew value chain.

Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to young and emerging agripreneurs who:

Are 18 years or older
Are based in a member state of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)
Have an innovative agribusiness idea related to any part of the cashew value chain
The idea can focus on different aspects of the cashew sector, provided it contributes to an innovative and viable business opportunity.

What Do Applicants Need to Do?
Applicants must complete the required e-MOVE learning pathway before submitting their business idea.

The process involves:
1. Register on atingi
Applicants should register on the atingi learning platform or access the dedicated e-MOVE landing page.

The required courses are offered free of charge.

2. Complete the Mandatory Courses
Applicants must complete the required e-MOVE courses, including:

Introduction to Conservation Agriculture
Creating an Investment-Ready Agribusiness
Completion of the required learning pathway provides applicants with a certificate ID that must be used as part of the submission.

3. Develop Your AgriCanvas
Applicants will use the Business Model Canvas template provided through the programme to develop their business idea.

The AgriCanvas should explain how the proposed cashew business will operate and generate income.

Applicants will also be asked to provide information about the project’s climate-smart or resilience component, revenue model and estimated capital required to start or scale the business.

4. Submit the Business Idea
The completed AgriCanvas must be entered directly into the official submission form. Applicants are required to provide their valid certificate ID as proof that they completed the mandatory courses.

Only submissions made through the official form will be considered.

Is the Programme Free?
Yes. There is no application fee.

The mandatory e-learning courses are also provided free of charge, and ComCashew states that there are no entry fees, subscription charges or hidden costs associated with participating in the competition.

How Will Winners Be Selected?
Applications will be assessed using the selection criteria outlined in the programme’s official Terms and Conditions.

Applicants can submit only one idea per submission window. If an applicant is not selected, they can improve their idea and submit again during a future submission window.

Successful applicants from the current window are expected to be contacted by mid-December 2026.

How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs should first register on the e-MOVE learning platform and complete the required courses.

After completing the learning pathway, applicants can develop their AgriCanvas and submit their business idea through the official submission form.

Application Deadline
The current e-MOVE submission window closes on October 30, 2026.

Applicants should complete the mandatory courses early enough to have sufficient time to develop and submit their AgriCanvas before the deadline.

Key Details
Programme: e-MOVE
Organiser: MOVE-ComCashew / GIZ
Target: Young and emerging agripreneurs
Minimum age: 18 years
Geographic eligibility: OACPS member states
Focus: Cashew value chain
Direct funding: €2,000
Alternative prize: Laptop, tablet or software
Application fee: Free
Deadline: October 30, 2026
Application: LINK IN COMMENT

Call For Applications: Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Innovation and Technology Scholarships 2027/2028 for Young African Professionals
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University (ASU) has opened applications for its 2027–2028 Innovation and Technology Scholarship, offering fully funded master’s degree opportunities to young African professionals.
The scholarship will support 30 African scholars to pursue selected full-time, on-campus master’s programmes focused on technology, innovation, engineering and related fields at Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, United States.

Selected scholars will receive comprehensive financial and academic support, including full tuition and fees, on-campus accommodation, books, visa expenses, airfare and medical expenses. The programme also includes leadership development, academic advising and a two-month internship between the first and second years.

Applications close on September 27, 2026 at 23:59 GMT.

About the Scholarship
The scholarship is part of the third phase of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Arizona State University, which focuses on innovation and technology and aims to equip young Africans with skills needed to contribute to economic and social development in their communities.

For the 2027–2028 academic year, the programme is offering 30 graduate study opportunities for young African professionals. Scholars will study full-time and on campus at ASU.

The programme expects scholars to use the knowledge and skills gained through their studies to contribute to their communities and support social and economic growth in their home countries.

Women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Master’s Programmes Available
Successful applicants can pursue one of the following master’s degrees:

MS Global Technology and Development
MS Information Technology
MCS Computer Science
MS Data Science, Analytics and Engineering
MS Robotics and Autonomous Systems
MS Clean Energy Systems
MS Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering
MS Modern Energy Production and Sustainable Use
MS Human Systems Engineering – Intelligent Systems
Applicants should review the specific admission requirements for their preferred programme before applying.

What Does the Scholarship Cover?
The Mastercard Foundation Innovation and Technology Scholarship provides comprehensive support throughout the graduate programme.

The scholarship covers:

Full tuition and required fees
On-campus accommodation
Books
Visa expenses
Airfare
Medical expenses
Academic advising and support
Leadership development
A two-month internship between the first and second years
This makes the scholarship a fully funded graduate study opportunity, with major study and relocation costs covered by the programme.

Who Can Apply?
The scholarship is designed for young African professionals who want to pursue graduate-level education in technology and innovation.

Applicants should meet the programme’s academic and personal eligibility requirements, including:

Be a citizen of an African country.
Have earned or be on track to earn a bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution by August 2027.
Demonstrate strong academic performance, with detailed eligibility information indicating a minimum equivalent of 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
Meet ASU’s English-language proficiency requirements for graduate admission.
Be between 18 and 33 years old on or before the application deadline.
Demonstrate leadership, community service and a commitment to creating positive change.
Not have previously started or completed a graduate or master’s degree.
Not be enrolled in or begin another graduate programme while applying for the scholarship.
Be able to relocate to and reside on ASU’s campus in Tempe, Arizona, for the programme.
Applicants should also check the admission requirements of their chosen ASU master’s programme, as individual programmes may have additional requirements.

What Does the Programme Look For?
Beyond academic performance, the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program places emphasis on leadership, service and community engagement.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate how their education and professional experience can contribute to positive change in their communities and home countries.

The programme also encourages applications from women, refugees and displaced persons, and people with disabilities.

How to Apply
Interested applicants should review the scholarship requirements and submit their application through the official Arizona State University Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program application process.

Applicants should carefully select an eligible master’s programme and ensure that they meet both the scholarship and ASU admission requirements before submitting their application.

To Apply: LINK IN COMMENT

Call for Applications: Inclusive Economic Empowerment (IEE) Pathways Programme 2026 Skills Training and Employment Opportunities
Are you looking to build your skills, improve your employability or access new economic opportunities?
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) is inviting eligible applicants to apply for the Inclusive Economic Empowerment (IEE) Pathways Programme 2026.

The programme is designed to support participants with opportunities for skills development and employment, helping them strengthen their capacity and improve their prospects for economic participation.

What the Programme Offers
Selected participants will have the opportunity to access:

Skills training and development
Employment-related opportunities
Support aimed at improving economic empowerment
Opportunities to build relevant skills for the changing job market
Who Can Apply?
The programme is open to individuals who meet the eligibility requirements specified by CITAD.

Applicants are advised to review the application requirements carefully and provide accurate information when completing the application.

How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the application through the official CITAD application platform.

Application Deadline: September 18, 2026

Apply here: LINK IN COMMENT

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: Askya AI Growth Platform 2026: for African AI Startups, $200k Funding
The Askya AI Growth Platform is one of the most direct and honestly structured AI accelerator programmes to come out of the African ecosystem this year. Launched by Askya Investment Partners in partnership with Magna Collective, it is free to join, takes no equity, leaves your cap table untouched, and still puts up to $200,000 in investment on the table for the most promising startup in the cohort. Ten African AI startups will be selected for the inaugural 2026 cohort, the application window is open until September 30, 2026, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. If you are building an AI-native product for African markets, this is worth your full attention.

The platform was unveiled on stage at the Deep Learning Indaba 2026 conference at Pan-Atlantic University in Lagos and announced as a partnership with some of the most credible names in African tech. Tosin Eniolorunda, Founder and CEO of Moniepoint, serves as the honorary chair of the inaugural cohort. Femi Awoniyi, co-founder of Magna Collective and former programme lead for the Google Black Founders Fund in Africa, leads programme delivery.

What the Programme Is Built Around
Most accelerators extract equity in exchange for access to mentors who have limited time for your specific problems. The Askya AI Growth Platform is structured differently. The programme was built around one explicit goal: getting founders closer to a signed commercial contract. Every week inside the six-week hybrid programme is oriented toward that outcome, not just building community or delivering generic startup content.

The Askya AI Growth Platform achieves this through four interconnected pillars.

Coaching and masterclasses from operators who have actually done it. Weekly one-on-one coaching sessions and masterclasses are led by founders and operators who have built companies valued at over $100 million. These are not panel conversations with corporate VPs. They are working sessions with people who have navigated product-market fit, distribution, governance, and scale in African markets specifically.

Direct access to corporate buyers. Structured corporate meetups connect selected founders with companies that are actively looking to test and deploy AI solutions. This is not cold outreach. Askya facilitates warm introductions between the startups and enterprises that have already expressed interest in piloting AI tools. The programme continues to follow up on corporate contract conversations through to signature until the end of 2026, even after the six weeks close.

Cloud, compute, and AI infrastructure. Selected startups receive access to GPUs, enterprise-grade computing capacity, and technical support to build, train, and scale their AI models. For AI-native companies where infrastructure cost is a real constraint on development speed, this has immediate practical value that compounds across the six weeks.

Investment eligibility. Separately from programme participation, Askya may invest up to $200,000 in the cohort’s most promising startup. This investment is not guaranteed and comes with no obligation on either side. Participation in the programme does not require raising from Askya. But for the startup that earns it, this is a meaningful early capital injection from a firm that backed Moniepoint and Jumia and is run by Babacar Seck, former CEO of Digital Africa and founding member of Proparco’s pan-African venture capital programme.

Who Should Apply
The Askya AI Growth Platform is specifically for African AI startups that meet a defined stage requirement. The programme is not for idea-stage founders. Eligibility requires:

Your startup must be based anywhere on the African continent. Your product must be AI-native, meaning artificial intelligence is central to what the product does and the value it delivers, not a feature layered on top. You must have a live product with at least one paying customer or an active pilot already running. You must be at a stage somewhere between a working MVP in the market and Series A. Your focus must be on African markets and problems that contribute to productivity and economic development on the continent.

Founders must also be able to commit fully to the programme for its six-week duration. The programme is hybrid, combining in-person events with remote sessions, and full engagement is expected.

The programme is sector-agnostic within that AI-native requirement. Whether you are building in fintech, health, agriculture, logistics, education, enterprise software, or any other vertical, what matters is that AI is genuinely at the core of the product, not incidental to it.

The Cohort Reveal and Programme Timeline
The ten selected startups will be revealed publicly on stage at Moonshot by TechCabal in Lagos on October 28 and 29, 2026. Moonshot is one of Africa’s largest startup events, drawing more than 6,000 founders and corporate decision-makers. Being announced on that stage is itself a meaningful visibility moment before the programme has even formally begun.

The six-week programme then runs from October 28 through December 4, 2026.

Milestone Date
Applications opened August 7, 2026
Application deadline September 30, 2026
Response to applicants Within 4 weeks of submission
Cohort reveal at Moonshot Lagos October 28 to 29, 2026
Programme runs October 28 to December 4, 2026
Why This Moment Matters for African AI
Askya’s founding thesis is grounded in a straightforward but important observation. According to the African Development Bank’s report on Africa’s AI Productivity Gain, inclusive deployment of AI could add up to $1 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2035. The continent’s entrepreneurs are already building world-class technology at scale. What consistently slows their growth is access to distribution, reliable infrastructure, and the operational knowledge that comes from building through scale. The Askya AI Growth Platform is a direct attempt to address those three specific gaps rather than the more generic challenges that most accelerators focus on.

Babacar Seck, Askya’s Founder and Managing Partner, put the mission plainly: Africa can either become a producer of AI technology, capturing the value it creates, or remain an importer. The platform is built on the conviction that the founders to lead that shift are already on the continent and already building.

How to Apply
Applications are submitted through the official Askya programme portal. Review is rolling, which means earlier applications receive consideration before the pool fills up. Askya has confirmed that every applicant receives a response within four weeks of submission.

Application Link: LINK IN COMMENT