Google has unveiled the latest cohort of ten promising startups from across Africa for the eighth edition of its esteemed Accelerator Africa program. The startups, originating from Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, represent the cream of the crop, having been selected from an impressive pool of nearly 1,000 contenders.
Since its launch in 2018, Accelerator Africa has been a catalyst for nurturing a dynamic tech ecosystem, providing support to 106 startups from 17 different African countries.
These startups have been instrumental in driving economic progress, having collectively secured over $263 million in funding, and creating more than 2,800 jobs, which speaks volumes about the program’s impact on Africa’s economic landscape.
The current cohort underscores a strategic focus on artificial intelligence, signaling the pivotal role this cutting-edge technology plays in surmounting the unique challenges faced by the continent.
The selected startups are set to embark on an intensive ten-week journey from July 29 to September 20, 2024, where they will engage in mentorship sessions, technical workshops, and business strategy refinement. Google’s commitment extends to facilitating access to its investor network to help these startups secure additional funding.
The objective of the program is to expedite the growth trajectories of these startups, thereby establishing them as formidable entities within Africa’s burgeoning tech ecosystem.
The ten selected startups are:
- CDIAL AI (Nigeria): Transforming multilingual communication across Africa with the power of artificial and collective intelligence.
- Earthbond (Nigeria): Lighting up 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): Equipping users with an AI-powered tool 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.
- Triply (Kenya): Building Africa’s travel operating system, connecting travellers with seamless booking experiences and travel businesses with powerful management tools.
