The Cascador 2025 Cohort embodies Nigeria’s vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, showcasing a diverse array of innovative founders ready to transform the continent’s landscape.
These entrepreneurs have undergone rigorous training, from intensive bootcamps at Lagos Business School to deep-dive coaching sessions, sharpening their leadership, operational and investor skills.
Their ventures span sectors critical to Nigeria’s development, including agriculture, energy, technology, healthcare and finance. Each founder brings a unique story, vision and drive to the table, reflecting the dynamic potential of Nigerian innovation.
Agricultural Innovation and Climate-Smart Solutions
Deina Mayaki, founder of Agriarche LLC, is revolutionizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector. Her platform empowers farmers by providing integrated access to markets, finance, data and climate-smart solutions.
In a country where agriculture remains a backbone of the economy, her approach ensures farmers are better equipped to increase productivity and resilience amidst climate challenges.
Mayaki’s vision is to create a sustainable ecosystem where farmers can thrive, leveraging technology to bridge longstanding gaps in access and information.
Her leadership exemplifies how agricultural entrepreneurs can drive economic growth and food security simultaneously.
Harnessing AI for Last-Mile Customer Engagement
Olayinka I. of CDIAL.AI is transforming customer interaction through multilingual voice AI technology. As Nigeria’s population becomes increasingly connected, businesses need innovative ways to engage diverse customer bases effectively.
Olayinka’s platform enables brands to interact seamlessly with customers in multiple languages, enhancing user experience and loyalty. His venture highlights the potential of artificial intelligence to break language barriers and foster inclusive commerce.
By focusing on last-mile engagement, Olayinka is helping businesses scale their reach across Nigeria’s multilingual landscape, making customer service more accessible and personalized.
Crafting Nigeria’s Premium Chocolate Industry
Uzoamaka Igweike, founder of Loom Craft Chocolate, is elevating Nigeria’s cocoa on the global stage. Her enterprise crafts premium, artisanal chocolates from locally sourced Nigerian cocoa beans, creating jobs and retaining economic value within the country.
Igweike’s vision not only boosts Nigeria’s reputation in the luxury confectionery market but also supports local farmers.
Her dedication to quality and sustainability underscores the potential of Nigerian cocoa to compete internationally, fostering economic growth and cultural pride.
Loom Craft Chocolate exemplifies how local artisans can redefine Nigeria’s culinary identity.
Bringing Solar Power to Off-Grid Communities
Ayoola Dominic’s Koolboks is tackling energy scarcity by providing solar-powered refrigeration solutions to underserved, off-grid communities.
His innovations enable households to preserve food, medicines, and other perishables without relying on unreliable or expensive grid electricity. This venture addresses critical health and economic needs, improving quality of life while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Dominic’s work demonstrates how renewable energy solutions can be tailored to local contexts, fostering sustainable development and energy independence for Nigeria’s most vulnerable populations.
Innovating Healthcare and Data Accessibility
In the healthcare and data sectors, the cohort features leaders transforming their respective fields. Tolu Femi-Oyewole of Fortics Lifecare LTD is revolutionizing healthcare delivery with comprehensive, tech-backed solutions that make quality care accessible and efficient.
Meanwhile, Taslim Salaudeen of Milsat Technologies is mapping and distributing hard-to-access datasets across Africa, empowering smarter decision-making in business and governance.
Their innovations are critical to Nigeria’s growth, providing essential infrastructure for data-driven development and healthier communities.
A Cohort Poised for Scalability and Impact
The Cascador 2025 cohort is uniquely positioned for growth, having mastered leadership development, operational excellence and investor readiness.
With 40% female representation and inclusion from northern Nigeria, this group reflects Nigeria’s rich diversity and potential.
Their ventures address pressing issues, from energy and agriculture to healthcare and finance, embodying a collective commitment to transforming Nigeria and Africa at large.
These entrepreneurs are not only building businesses but are also shaping the continent’s future, armed with resilience, innovation, and a clear vision for scalable impact.
