We help entrepreneurs build generational tech & AI companies from Africa

OUR APPROACH

Our Vision

We are driven by a deep conviction that Africans can build generational technology and AI companies to solve the continent’s most pressing challenges and uplift its people—because we have seen it firsthand as partners to two of Africa’s first unicorns. Our mission is to back the best entrepreneurs on this journey and help foster a prosperous Africa within our lifetime, while being exemplary stewards of our partners’ capital.

Who We Back

We back the most capable, relentless, and ambitious entrepreneurs who have made it their long-term mission to solve Africa’s biggest problems through technology and AI. We look for exceptional execution, a radical vision grounded in deep problem understanding, and an unwavering commitment to doing whatever it takes to build solutions at scale. We are particularly excited about companies that boost economic productivity and inclusion, as well as those building foundational technologies and platforms.

How We Partner

We partner with a small number of founders early in their journey, anchored in shared vision and values. As long-term partners, we challenge and assist founders through both highs and lows. Beyond capital, we leverage our operating experience and trusted relationships across industries and geographies to provide access to strategic insight, capital, media, markets, and customers.

COMPANIES

INSIGHTS

  • Why Africa must build its own AI giants - Op-Ed in Semafor

    There’s a narrative out there that Africa is not well-placed to take part in today’s artificial-intelligence revolution. But this is wrong.

    Read Full Article

  • “It’s time to build” - Interview in Le Monde

    At the AI Action Summit in Paris in February 2025, the conversation turned toward Africa’s growing place in the global AI story. The continent was no longer framed as a passive recipient of innovation, but as an active contributor shaping where the technology goes next.

    Read Full Article

  • Creating value in Africa’s startup ecosystem - the way forward

    Few topics attract as much debate in African venture capital as exits. A decade into Africa’s startup journey, the ecosystem has proven it can build valuable, scalable companies.

    Read Full Article

  • Finally a Fund to Change Africa's Destiny!

    #257 BABACAR SECK: In this captivating episode of Kalimanjaro 🎙️, we have the privilege of welcoming Babacar Seck, founder and Managing Partner of the investment fund Askya Investment Partners,

    Listen to the Podcast

  • How African Founders Can Build Businesses That Last

    With experience in investment banking, strategy and operations, private equity, and venture capital, including at Proparco, the investment arm of the French Development Agency, Mr. Seck has developed a clear and assertive vision of what it takes to create value on the continent

    Read Full Article

TEAM

Babacar Seck founded Askya Investment Partners in 2024. He is a member of the Steering Committee of the African Financial Summit and Azalai Foundation Angels. Babacar partners with founders across industries, from financial services to AI and education. Before starting Askya, Babacar served as CEO of Digital Africa, founding member of the Proparco’s venture arm and in the Office of the Chairman & CEO at AXA.

Babacar Seck

Yinka Osoba joined Askya in 2025 after 13 years with Standard Bank, where she led venture capital investments and equity capital markets activities for Nigeria. Yinka began her career at White & Case LLP in London, where she trained as a Solicitor of England and Wales. Yinka’s focus includes Nigeria, financial services and capital markets. She is a graduate of London School of Economics and the University of Warwick.

Yinka Osoba

Julien Gafarou joined Askya in 2025 and brings nearly a decade of experience leading investment research and investor engagement for Toniic, a global community of impact investors, supporting over $100M in impact capital deployment. An engineer by training, he also worked at IBM, Dalberg and Societe Générale. Julien focuses on French-speaking markets and investor relations.

Julien Gafarou

Tamilore Akapo joined Askya in 2025 after 4 years as an investor at Platform Capital, Octerra and Founders Factory Africa. She is a graduate of the University of Warwick.

Tamilore Akapo