As Africa’s entrepreneurship landscape continues its rapid evolution, the continent still faces a staggering funding gap running into billions of dollars. But for Trish Thomas, CEO of Cascador, bridging that gap requires more than just capital. It demands a holistic approach that combines funding with mentorship, strategy, and community.
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“We’re seeing African entrepreneurship and the startup ecosystem really evolve and mature,” Thomas said in an exclusive interview. “And with that comes the need for capital, yes, but also mentorship, education, and the right connections. That’s what truly helps businesses thrive.”
Cascador, a leadership accelerator based in Nigeria, is spearheading a multidimensional model to support mid-stage entrepreneurs. Rather than focusing solely on investment, the organisation equips founders with tools to build sustainable and scalable businesses. “It’s not just about writing cheques,” Thomas noted. “It’s about identifying what’s missing in the growth puzzle and providing it, whether that’s talent, governance, or operational efficiency.”
Africa’s business climate, though promising, is fraught with challenges including inflation, unstable exchange rates, dwindling venture capital, and infrastructural deficits. According to Thomas, these conditions call for a new kind of entrepreneur: high-performing transformational leaders who are agile, resourceful, and mission driven.
“You really have to be able to adapt, bring in the talent you need, and keep moving forward, even in a tough policy and economic environment,” she said.
Cascador zeroes in on businesses at a critical inflection point, those that have outgrown the startup phase but need strategic support to scale. “That’s where we come in,” Thomas explained. “These businesses are earning revenue, often profitable, and ready to take the next leap. Support at this stage can be catalytic.”
To meet this need, Cascador is rolling out a Catalytic Fund, aimed at unlocking growth for scalable ventures that demonstrate both commercial potential and social impact. But entrepreneurs must compete to earn that support. “There’s no free lunch,” Thomas laughed. “Even in Freetown.”
The program’s impact is already being felt across multiple sectors including agriculture, health care, and education, areas Thomas says are ripe for disruption and deeply in need of innovative solutions.
On the topic of women-led businesses, Thomas highlighted the stark funding imbalance. “Women receive a very small portion of investment capital, whether from angel investors, private equity, or venture capital,” she observed. Yet many women continue to build remarkable businesses while balancing familial roles. “That community of support is critical,” she said. “Women need mentorship, peer networks, capital, and education, just like every strong entrepreneur.”
Thomas is particularly inspired by the passion and resilience she sees among Nigerian entrepreneurs. “The drive for excellence, the value placed on education, these are qualities that pull us into this market and inspire us every day.”
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Looking ahead, Cascador plans to expand beyond Nigeria, deepening its support for alumni and building a continentwide movement of resilient, well equipped business leaders.
With the right support, Thomas believes African entrepreneurs are not only ready to compete, they are poised to lead.
“This is where the real value creation happens,” she said. “When entrepreneurs solve real problems and push those solutions to market, that’s when transformation takes root. Africa is full of these stories. We just need to back them with everything we’ve got.”
