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With Go Time AI, we are committed to supporting the next generation of African AI founders. Our accelerator program has been an incredible journey, and we’re excited to share the highlights. Africa has immense potential for AI-driven solutions, and we are dedicated to turning bold ideas into reality.
The journey began with the AI Builders Event in Lagos on June 27, 2024, bringing together tech founders, educators, investors, and AI enthusiasts. The energy in the room was undeniable as participants explored the transformative role of AI in Africa. Shortly after, on July 10, 2024, applications for the Go Time AI Accelerator opened. The response was overwhelming, with hundreds of founders eager to leverage AI to solve real-world challenges. After a rigorous selection process, we welcomed a diverse group of startups building solutions across education, legal services, mental health, e-commerce, and financial management.
On October 9, 2024, the accelerator officially kicked off. Over the next four months, founders engaged in a high-impact program designed to equip them with the skills and resources to scale their businesses. They received mentorship from leading AI experts, participated in workshops on product development, fundraising, and business growth, and showcased their progress during biweekly Demo Nights.
Throughout the program, industry leaders such as Olusola Amusan, Co-founder and CEO at Vesti, Timbo Drayson, Founder at OkHi Smart Addressing, Wiza Jalakasi, Director of Africa Expansion at EBANX, Oo Nwoye, Founder and Executive Director at TechCircle, and Yewande Akomolafe-Kalu, VP of Branding and Storytelling at Flutterwave shared insights that helped shape the journey of the founders.
On January 23, 2025, the program culminated in Demo Day, where founders took the stage to present their progress to investors, mentors, and industry leaders. Beyond the startup pitches, the event featured two impactful panel discussions.
The first, Female Founders Driving Innovation in the Age of AI, featured Chineye Ochem (Tyms) and Esther Eruchie (FriendnPal) from our cohort, along with Chinonso Nwosu, Product Lead at Resilience17. They shared their experiences, challenges, and insights on leading AI-driven solutions.
“It’s challenging, yes, but also so rewarding to be literally building the future,” said Chineye Ochem.
The second, The State of AI in Africa, explored AI’s growing role across industries. One founder summed it up perfectly:
“Right now, we can do incredible things with AI. There’s just no way you can be there without leveraging AI because it is truly the future.”
Watch the highlights from Demo Day here!
The success of our first cohort is just the beginning. In May 2025, applications will open for the next group of AI founders ready to take their ideas to the next level.
If you’re an aspiring AI founder, this is your opportunity. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on the next application cycle.
