Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Kenya and Nigeria Take Up 80 per cent of Slots

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Google for Startups Accelerator Africa this year placed a strong emphasis on AI technologies in addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges.
This year’s cohort, featuring ten innovative startups from Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa, was selected from nearly 1,000 applications.
The ten startups will participate in a structured program to support their growth.

Kenya and Nigeria top the list of the 10 startups from the continent that will form part of the eighth cohort of Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program.

This year’s cohort, featuring ten innovative startups from Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa, was selected from nearly 1,000 applications.

Out of the ten ventures, Nigeria produced five, Kenya produced three, and Rwanda and South Africa produced one each.

Google Africa’s Head of Startups Programs, Folarin Aiyegbusi, said that despite the current “funding winter” in Sub-Saharan Africa, where investment flows have slowed, the resilience and ingenuity of African entrepreneurs continue to shine.

“These startups represent the future of African innovation, promoting the power of technology to solve real-world problems and uplift their communities. We are committed to supporting these founders by giving them with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed and scale their solutions,” said Aiyegbusi,

In recognition of the importance and intricate part of digital development in creating a sustainable and green economy, Zanzibar is setting up its own Silicon Valley known as Silicon Zanzibar which will serve as a strategic home to innovation and tech companies - Tanzania Ambassador to South Korea, Togolani Mavura. Photo/SiliconZanzibar — Google for Startups Accelerator Africa. [Photo/Silicon Zanzibar]

This three-month, equity-free virtual program offers African startups mentorship, technical resources, and access to a global network of experts and investors.

Google for Startups Accelerator Africa

Nakili (Kenya), a local venture that brings salons, barbershops, and spas into the digital age with a mobile-based app for streamlined management and customer experiences, will be among the startups from Kenya.

Triple, which builds Africa’s travel operating system, connecting travelers with seamless booking experiences and travel businesses with powerful management tools, also made it to the shortlist.

Nobuk Africa, a fintech that simplifies financial management for groups and collectives across Africa with a seamless platform for collecting funds, reconciling payments, and generating reports, was the third.

Other Startups are CDIAL AI, Earthbound, MyAIFactchecker, NextCounsel and Rana Energy from Nigeria, Fixxr from South Africa, and Lifesten Health from Rwanda.

The ten startups will participate in a structured program to support their growth.

They will receive direct access to the expertise of Google mentors and seasoned entrepreneurs who have navigated the startup path.

They will engage in technical workshops to refine their products, hone their business strategies, and strengthen their leadership skills. The program will also prepare them to secure follow-on funding from Google’s global network of investors.

Since its initiation in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries.

These startup programs have collectively raised over $263 million and created more than 2,800 direct jobs, showcasing the program’s substantial impact on the African tech landscape.

This year’s cohort strongly emphasizes artificial intelligence, highlighting the growing importance of advanced technologies in addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges.

The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Class 8:

CDIAL AI (Nigeria): Transforming multilingual communication across Africa with the power of artificial intelligence.
Earthbound (Nigeria): Lighting homes and businesses across Africa with affordable, reliable energy solutions bolstered by carbon accounting and development finance.
Fixxr (South Africa): Putting car owners and businesses in the driver’s seat with transparent and convenient on-location vehicle maintenance and repair services.
Lifesten Health (Rwanda): Innovating health and wellness through cutting-edge screening and incentive-based programs focused on physical, mental, and nutritional health.
MyAIFactchecker (Nigeria): This AI-powered tool equips users to combat misinformation and promote informed decision-making through fact-checking.
Nakili (Kenya): Bringing salons, barbershops, and spas into the digital age with a mobile-based app for streamlined management and enhanced customer experiences.
NextCounsel (Nigeria): Supercharging lawyer productivity with an AI-powered tool for contract management, solicitor engagement, compliance, and more.
Nobuk Africa (Kenya): Simplifying financial management for groups and collectives across Africa with a seamless platform for collecting funds, reconciling payments, and generating reports.
Rana Energy (Nigeria): Providing clean, reliable energy solutions to SMEs and communities through a data-driven ecosystem.
Triple (Kenya) is building Africa’s travel operating system, connecting travellers with seamless booking experiences and travel businesses with powerful management tools.