Ten African tech startups have been selected to take part in the eighth cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme.
Since its inception in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries. This year’s cohort was selected from nearly 1,000 applications, and will see the 10 chosen startups participate in a structured programme designed to support their growth.
They will receive direct access to the expertise of Google mentors and seasoned entrepreneurs, and engage in technical workshops to refine their products, hone their business strategies, and strengthen their leadership skills. The programme will also prepare them to secure follow-on funding from Google’s global network of investors.
Five of the selected startups are from Nigeria, namely CDIAL, which is transforming multilingual communication with the power of artificial and collective intelligence; Earthbond, which provides affordable, reliable energy solutions bolstered by carbon accounting and development finance; MyAIFactchecker, an AI-powered tool to combat misinformation; NextCounsel, an AI-powered tool for contract management, solicitor engagement, and compliance; and Rana Energy, which provides clean, reliable energy solutions to SMEs and communities through a data-driven ecosystem.
Kenya is represented by three companies, in the shape of Nakili, a mobile-based app for streamlined management of salons, barbershops, and spas; Nobuk, which simplifies financial management for groups and collectives with a seamless platform for collecting funds, reconciling payments, and generating reports; and Triply, which connects travellers with seamless booking experiences and travel businesses with powerful management tools.
The other two selected ventures are South Africa’s Fixxr, which provides car owners and businesses with transparent and convenient on-location vehicle maintenance and repair services; and Rwanda’s Lifesten Health, which offers health and wellness through cutting-edge screening and incentive-based programmes focused on physical, mental, and nutritional health.
“We are thrilled to welcome the eighth cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme. These startups represent the future of African innovation, harnessing the power of technology to solve real-world problems and uplift their communities. We are committed to supporting these founders by providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed and scale their solutions,” said Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of startups programmes for Google in Africa.
