The tech giant announced the 8th cohort of its accelerator Africa programme, which includes ten innovative startups from Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa.
The selected startups from Nigeria are CDIAL AI, Earthbond, MyAIFactchecker, NextCounsel, and Rana Energy. They are joined by Fixxr (South Africa), Lifesten Health (Rwanda), Nakili (Kenya), Nobuk Africa (Kenya), and Triply (Kenya).
Google stated on Tuesday that these startups were chosen from nearly 1,000 applications, showcasing the exceptional talent and creativity within the African tech ecosystem.
“Startups play a pivotal role in driving economic development and technological innovation in Africa,” Google said. “By addressing local challenges with tailored solutions, these startups are creating jobs and improving quality of life across the continent.”
Despite the current “funding winter” in Sub-Saharan Africa, where investment flows have slowed, the resilience and ingenuity of African entrepreneurs remain evident.
Since its inception in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries. These startups have collectively raised over $263 million and created more than 2,800 direct jobs, highlighting the program’s significant impact on the African tech landscape.
This year’s cohort emphasizes artificial intelligence, underscoring the growing importance of advanced technologies in solving Africa’s most pressing challenges.
Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of startups programmes for Google in Africa, said the selected startups represent the future of African innovation, using technology to address real-world problems and uplift their communities. He reiterated Google’s commitment to providing these founders with the resources and mentorship needed to succeed and scale their solutions.
From July 29 to September 20, 2024, the ten startups will participate in a structured programme designed to support their growth. They will receive direct access to Google mentors and experienced entrepreneurs, preparing them to secure follow-on funding from Google’s global network of investors. The programme will also include technical workshops to refine their products, enhance their business strategies, and strengthen their leadership skills.
