Google has unveiled the 2024 Startups Accelerator Africa programme cohort.
This initiative highlights the talent and innovation within the African tech scene.
It underscores how these startups are vital for driving economic growth and technological progress while improving the quality of life across the continent.
This year’s cohort emphasises harnessing the power of AI in addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges.
The cohort features 10 innovative startups from Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa.
Chosen from nearly 1,000 applications, these startups are recognised for their cutting-edge AI solutions tackling health, climate, and fintech challenges.
The Google Accelerator Africa programme will run from July 29 to September 20, 2024.
Launched in 2018, the program provides selected startups with non-equity support, mentoring, technical boot camps, and Google product credits.
Since its launch , it has assisted over 106 startups from 17 African countries, secured $263 million in funding and created over 2,800 jobs.
The Selected Startups
The list features 5 startups from Nigeria, 3 from Kenya, and 1 each from South Africa and Rwanda.
Here’s a look at the startups in this year’s Africa accelerator programme:
CDIAL AI (Nigeria)
- Founders : Yinka Iyinolakan and Shona Olaler
- Year: 2021
- CDIAL AI uses AI to enhance multilingual information systems, aiming to improve healthcare and trade across Africa.
Earthbond (Nigeria)
- Founder : Chidalu Onyenso.
- Year: 2022
- It offers affordable, reliable energy solutions, backed by carbon accounting and development finance.
Fixxr: (South Africa)
- Founders :Bayabulela Jolobe, Mawethu Soga, and Curtis Young
- Year: 2018
- Fixxr provides car repair and maintenance services through a network of mobile mechanics.
LifeSten Health (Rwanda)
- Founders: Stephen Ogweno and Peace Iraguha
- Year: 2021
- It focuses on improving overall wellness with programs covering physical, mental, and nutritional health.
MyAIfactchecker (Nigeria)
- Founder : Abideen Oladipo
- It is a part of the BrainBuilder Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI). It offers AI tools for verifying news and information authenticity.
Nakili: ( Kenya)
- Founders : Kebati Calvin and Gladys Kibera.
- Nakili is a mobile app designed to streamline the management of salons, barbershops, and spas.
NextCounsel: (Nigeria)
- Founders Samson Adegunle, Fope Akinmola, and Gbadebo Ojikutu
- Year: 2017
- NextCounsel delivers data-driven technology solutions for legal challenges.
Nobuk Africa: (Kenya)
Founders :Alan Mwangi and Elvis Bando
- Year: 2022
- Nobuk Africa is a financial management tool focused on groups and collectives, offering data collection, payment tracking, and automated reports.
Rana Energy ( Nigeria)
- Founder: Mubarak Popoola
- Year: 2023
- It is a green-energy startup that provides clean energy solutions for SMEs and communities.
Triply:(Kenya)
- Founders : Collins Muthinja and Peter Wachira
- Year: 2021
- Triply provides tools for seamless bookings and travel management, building Africa’s travel operating system .
In 2023, four African startups—Afrohealth, eBango, Rivet, and Expedier—participated in the Google for Startups Accelerator: Black Founders programme.
Google also awarded $4 million to 25 African companies in its third Black Founders Fund cohort, helping them expand and create more jobs