We’re kicking things off a little differently this time.
Before we dive into all the exciting updates, our Program Manager, Joel Azu, wants to speak directly to you…

You know that moment you’re staring at a half-finished prototype or a pitch deck that still feels rough around the edges. The doubt sneaks in, and you start wondering if it’s even worth the push. But then you take another step anyway.

That’s where every great product is born. Not from perfection, but from someone bold enough to keep going even when the way forward isn’t clear.

Here’s Joel’s heartfelt reminder for every founder and builder reading this:

“Every product is proof of an idea carried by someone bold enough to build. The journey is rarely straightforward, but the fulfillment you find along the way makes every challenge worth it.

To every founder and builder: your work isn’t just code, designs, or pitches it’s proof that real value comes from those who do while others only dream. You’re the hope of a better future. So keep building, keep refining, and most of all, keep believing.”

If you’ve been second-guessing yourself or your project, take this as a sign: keep going. The best products you admire today once looked unfinished and uncertain too.

Alright, now let’s get into the updates honestly, this might be one of our favorite roundups yet. If you’ve been on our socials, you’ve probably seen the buzz around some pretty exciting moments Founders Summit and Demo Day.

Let’s bring those highlights back to your screen…

You must have seen the buzz around Founders Summit and Demo Day, it all ties back here. The AyaHQ x Lisk Incubation Program for Cohort 3 has been extended to the 19th of September 2025.

If you’re a builder, founder, or you have an idea, this is an opportunity to take your idea from where it is to where it should be. Don’t miss this chance.
If you have questions about the program, watch this video from our Program Manager.

Founders in the same space, sharing meals, late-night brainstorms, product reviews, and honest conversations. This wasn’t just “sessions.” It was a mindset shift.

One founder said they were metamorphosed — the way she came isn’t the way she is leaving. Another came ready to compete and left seeing collaboration as the real lever. The Summit pushed founders from execution to market, but more than that, it gave them space to connect, explore Ghana, and grow beyond the code.

Click the link below to listen to what the founders have to say about the Founders Summit and the Incubation Program.

Demo Day was electric. Those who watched can attest. We streamed live on X with 1.7k viewers, and on YouTube with 140+ viewers. The news picked it up you can read the article and Metro TV was live on site to capture the moments.

Watching founders pitch to the world showed that Africa is not waiting we are building. Many projects went live and closed partnerships right after pitching. If you read this and feel a nudge to pitch next time, go back and apply for Cohort 3. Missed the stream? Watch the replay on X or YouTube.

While the Summit and Demo Day were happening, AyaLabs was moving too:

• 266 builders signed up and actively engaged on AyaLabs.

• 58 projects were submitted.

• 4 hackathons hosted: EthEnugu, Prodfest, Hack4Futo, and Codefest.

• $7,000 in prizes distributed to builders.

AyaLabs is more than a builder space it’s where communities host hackathons, discover talent, and spark real innovation. It’s one of the ways we’re bringing the AyaHQ vision to life: building an ecosystem that works for everyone creating onchain.
Your next hackathon should be hosted on AyaLabs.

We hosted a Tech Connect meetup at the AyaHQ x Lisk Builder Hub in Ghana, proof that small moments can create big impact. The room was full of new conversations, meaningful connections, and a clear takeaway: collaboration makes building better.

We got featured on TechCabal. Big picture: we are currently raising $10 million. Why? Because we’re betting on Africa’s emerging blockchain sector and building a collective pool of talent backed by training and equity-based incentives.

We’ve seen startups fail because of lack of funding, our approach is to give investors a de-risked entry into Africa’s blockchain sector while allowing founders to build with long-term support.

We’re also securing land for long-term, real-world builder spaces: 1 acre secured in Accra (5 minutes’ walk to an amazing Chenku waterfall), 10 acres agreed in principle, and in Kilifi, Kenya conversations are ongoing to purchase 1 acre by the seaside. Together we’ll push what’s possible and prove Africa’s Web3 visionaries understand global playbooks and how to build within them.

Watch this video to hear from our founder directly about why we’re building and why we’re raising this seed.

Ever tried building something great in a space that doesn’t support you? We’ve been there. That’s why we created the AyaHQ Builders Hubs with support from Lisk.

We’ve got two live locations:

• One in Accra, Ghana

• Another in Kilifi, Kenya

Here’s what you get:

• A peaceful, conducive space with reliable power and internet

• A community of serious builders you can grow with

• Regular IRL events like hackathons, workshops, peer reviews, and deep-dive discussions

• Time and space to focus with zero performative pressure. Whether you're just getting started or already mid-build, this is where ideas become movement.

If you’re still reading this is your sign to join the AyaHQ Builders Collective! Whether you want to network, collaborate, or just get inspired, we’ve got a bunch of exciting events coming up from workshops and hackathons to games and networking.

We just have to take a moment to shout out all the amazing founders who pitched on Demo Day, seriously, we see you and we’re celebrating you!

The courage it takes to share your idea with the world isn’t small, and the heart you brought to those pitches was inspiring. You’re the reason this ecosystem keeps moving forward, and today, we’re all cheering loud for you. 👏🏾

AyaHQ Is Building the Future of Onchain Builders in Africa

We’re not just here for the hype. We’re here for the builders, the founders, the visionaries.

Through:
AyaHQ x Lisk Builders Hub – Where builders live, work, and create.
AyaLabs – Fueling hackathons and developer growth.
AyaHQ x Lisk Incubation Program – Helping Web3 founders build scalable projects.
The Human Layer Movement – Championing collaboration in Web3.

The market doesn’t dictate our momentum, we do.

So if you’re serious about building in Web3, you know where to find us.

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