Cascador Unveils 2025 Cohort: Eleven Visionary Leaders Driving Africa’s Transformation

Cascador, Africa’s premier accelerator for mission-driven entrepreneurs, proudly announces its 2025 Cohort. The eleven founders selected this year are addressing some of Nigeria’s most urgent challenges—from livestock management and mental health to clean energy and digital inclusion—leveraging tools like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and solar power.

Selected from more than four hundred qualified applicants nationwide, these changemakers exemplify the spirit of Nigerian innovation: resilient, bold, and deeply committed to impact. With 40% female representation and strong inclusion from northern regions of the country, the 2025 cohort reflects the diversity and promise of Africa’s next generation of business leaders.

Meet the Trailblazers of Cascador 2025

• Deina Mayaki (Agriarche) – Empowering farmers, aggregators, and food processors with integrated access to markets, finance, data, and climate-smart solutions.
• Yinka Iyinolakan (CDIAL) – Empowering last-mile customer engagement through multilingual voice AI.
• Uzoamaka Igweike (Loom Craft Chocolate) – Elevating Nigerian cocoa into premium chocolate while creating jobs and retaining local economic value.
• Ayoola Dominic (Koolboks) – Bringing solar-powered refrigeration to off-grid and underserved communities.
• Okey Esse (Powerstove Energy) – Providing clean cookstoves that also generate electricity for household use.
• Aisha Rilwan (Grabb247) – Digitizing Nigeria’s livestock trade with an AI-powered marketplace for transparent, fair and healthy animal sourcing.
• Daniel Komolafe (First Electric) – Making clean energy accessible and affordable by deploying mesh grid solutions in rural communities across Nigeria.
• Taslim Salaudeen (Milsat Technologies) – Maps and distributes Africa’s hard-to-find datasets—empowering smarter decisions, equitable access, and transformative growth.
• Dare Odumade (Chekkit Technologies) – Web3 and AI-powered B2B2C supply chain traceability infrastructure
• Aisha Bubah (The Sunshine Series) – Promoting mental healthcare through culturally-rooted and community-driven care
• Femi-Oyewole Toluwalope (Fortics) – Transforming healthcare access and outcomes, Fortics Lifecare Group delivers comprehensive, tech-backed solutions through data, insurance, and robust financial systems.

“Cascador is a dream come true,” shared Aisha Bubah, Founder of The Sunshine Series. “I’m eager for deep, honest conversations that push me to grow as a leader and to learn from other entrepreneurs who are also transforming lives through purpose-driven work.”

“Through Cascador, I hope to become a stronger leader, someone who can scale a thriving company and communicate a clear, compelling vision for impact,” said Uzoamaka Igweike, Founder of Loom Craft Chocolate.

“I’m hoping to grow as a leader by sharpening my people and policy skills, while also tapping into the network to open new markets and learn directly from other experienced African founders,” shared Dare Odumade, Founder and CEO of Chekkit.

A Program Designed for Transformational Impact

Cascador’s intensive accelerator provides a unique blend of leadership development, operational strategy and investor readiness training. Fellows benefit from:

• Education and leadership development;
• One-on-one mentorship with seasoned entrepreneurs and business leaders;
• Cross-sector peer learning and collaboration;
• Strategic networking with investors, partners, and industry experts; and
• Eligibility for future Catalytic Fund capital funding as a program alumnus.

“At Cascador, we believe the future of Africa will be shaped by bold entrepreneurs with the vision to solve real problems and the grit to scale their solutions,” said Trish Thomas, CEO of Cascador. “This year’s cohort reflects that promise—diverse in geography, sector and approach, but united by purpose and the courage to lead.”

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Advancing a New Generation of Leaders

Since launching in 2019, Cascador has supported over 60 entrepreneurs who have collectively raised more than $60 million and created thousands of jobs across Africa. The program’s influence continues to grow, nurturing not only high-impact ventures but the visionary leaders behind them.

“This cohort isn’t just tackling problems—they’re building the systems, solutions, and companies that will define Nigeria’s future,” said Dave DeLucia, Founder of Cascador. “They’re leading with vision and scaling impact in ways that uplift society.”

About Cascador

Cascador is a Nigeria-based not-for-profit organization and entrepreneurial development program focused on developing mid-stage Nigerian entrepreneurs who are scaling mission-driven companies. By combining world-class education, one-on-one mentoring, and personalized support, Cascador empowers entrepreneurs to make a positive impact through job creation, innovation, and development of opportunities for underprivileged and marginalized communities. Learn more about the 2025 cohort, past alumni, and how to support Cascador’s mission at Cascador.org.