Tosin Eniolorunda, founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Moniepoint, has been named honorary chairman of the first cohort of the Askya AI Growth Platform, a new pan-African initiative offering up to $200,000 in investment to selected African artificial intelligence startups.
Launched by Askya Investment Partners, the programme will support 10 Africa-focused, AI-native startups with funding, execution support and access to markets. The goal is to help participating companies achieve product-market fit and expand across the continent.
According to Askya, the initiative comes as Africa’s artificial intelligence ecosystem continues to grow. The African Development Bank estimates that inclusive AI deployment could contribute as much as $1 trillion to Africa’s Gross Domestic Product by 2035.
Askya Investment Partners said the programme is designed to ensure Africans are not simply consumers of AI technology but also developers of innovative solutions capable of competing on the global stage.
Commenting on his appointment, Eniolorunda said: “Africans can build solutions for people all over the world, and AI may be the clearest opportunity yet to prove it.”
He added: “Our young founders are ready; what they need is execution support and access to real customers.”
Eniolorunda said supporting talented African technology entrepreneurs in building sustainable businesses remains an important priority for him.
“Helping talented builders go further is the work I care about most, and it is why I am glad to chair this first cohort,” he stated.
Askya Hails Eniolorunda’s Experience
Babacar Seck, Founder and Managing Partner of Askya Investment Partners, said Eniolorunda’s track record made him well suited to lead the initiative.
He said: “Tosin has shown how to build a generational technology company that addresses real African needs, with ambition, relentless commitment, superior execution and authenticity.”
Seck added that Eniolorunda would help “show the way to the next generation of builders” as they work toward achieving product-market fit and expanding their businesses across Africa.
Applications Open to African AI Startups
Applications for the programme remain open to African AI-native startups. Selected applicants will receive investment and practical support aimed at helping them develop their products, attract customers and scale their operations.
Shortlisted startups are expected to be announced in October, marking the next stage of the initiative’s effort to strengthen Africa’s emerging AI ecosystem.
