Google has unveiled the ninth edition of its Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa, selecting 15 pioneering startups from across the continent that are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to address some of Africa’s most complex challenges. The selected companies, hailing from Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, span key sectors including fintech, healthtech, agritech, logistics, and professional services. This initiative continues Google’s broader mission to support innovation that delivers both regional and global impact.
Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Growth
At a time when African startups are playing a vital role in solving local issues, they still face barriers to scaling their operations—ranging from limited access to funding and mentorship to infrastructure gaps. Google's accelerator program helps bridge these challenges by providing tailored resources, hands-on support, and access to cutting-edge AI tools. By connecting founders with global experts and advanced cloud technologies, the program is designed to accelerate innovation and drive inclusive growth.
A Highly Competitive Selection Process
The selection process for the current cohort was rigorous, with nearly 1,500 applications submitted between April and June 2025. The 15 chosen startups reflect a wide range of use cases where AI is delivering tangible solutions—from enhancing digital healthcare access in Ethiopia to optimizing crop resilience in Kenya. This competitive selection underlines Google’s continued investment in nurturing Africa’s vibrant and dynamic tech ecosystem.
Comprehensive Support for Long-Term Success
Over the three-month hybrid accelerator program running from June 23 to August 22, 2025, participants will receive strategic mentorship from Google engineers and seasoned industry professionals. In addition to technical guidance, the program provides up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits and tailored support for AI integration, product development, and business scaling. Participating startups will also benefit from valuable exposure to a global network of investors, potential partners, and collaborators.
Startups at the Forefront of AI Innovation
The cohort includes standout companies like AFRIKABAL from Rwanda, which uses blockchain and AI to create a transparent crop trading platform, and Nigeria’s Pastel, which delivers enterprise AI tools for fraud detection and anti-money laundering in financial institutions. Kenya’s Shamba Records empowers over 50,000 farmers with AI-powered credit scoring and climate-smart agriculture tools, while South Africa’s Rapid Human AI accelerates software development by transforming design concepts into deployable code. Each startup embodies a unique application of AI to improve efficiency, inclusion, and sustainability across Africa.
A Track Record of Transformative Impact
Since its launch in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa has supported 153 startups across 17 African countries. Collectively, these startups have raised more than $300 million in funding and created over 3,500 jobs. Google itself has contributed $5 million through equity-free funding and cloud credits, reinforcing its commitment to empowering Africa’s entrepreneurial talent.
Driving an Inclusive AI Future for Africa
According to Folarin Aiyegbusi, Google’s Head of Startup Ecosystem for Africa, the initiative reflects the company’s belief that AI’s potential is maximized when developed by those who deeply understand local contexts. By empowering African founders to harness AI for real-world problems, Google is helping to shape a more inclusive and impactful AI ecosystem. These startups are not only transforming their local environments but also setting a precedent for AI-led innovation on a global scale.
With the launch of Class 9, Google reaffirms its strategic focus on AI as a transformative force in Africa’s tech landscape. The accelerator equips emerging startups with the tools, mentorship, and exposure needed to convert bold ideas into scalable, high-impact solutions. As the program progresses, the selected ventures are poised to play a leading role in redefining Africa’s future through technology-driven progress.