Google's Startup Accelerator for Africa invites applications for the 2025 AI-centered cohort
African startups are making a significant impact in various sectors, including agriculture, fintech, healthcare, and education, by solving critical problems and exploring new possibilities through the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI). These innovative companies are now invited to apply for the 2025 cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program.
The program, which has been active since 2018, has worked with over 140 startups in 17 African countries. It provides equity-free support, mentorship, customized technical training, and networking opportunities to tech startups that leverage AI to address major challenges.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for the program, African startups must primarily apply AI technologies to address unique challenges in sectors such as fintech, agritech, healthtech, and professional services. The startups must be innovative and use AI as a core part of their product or solution that targets Africa's local problems.
The program is highly competitive, with previous cohorts selecting about 15 startups out of nearly 1,500 applications. It targets startups from across Africa, with 17 countries represented in previous cohorts. The startups should be operational with some traction, as the program has a strong focus on startups that have business models using AI to drive impact.
Benefits of the Program
Participating startups will receive up to $350K in Google Cloud credits, mentorship, and networking opportunities. The program is a 3-month hybrid program designed for Seed to Series A tech startups across Africa.
One such startup that has benefited from the program is Crop2Cash, which is addressing challenges in the agriculture sector by simplifying farming and equipping farmers with digital tools.
Applying for the Program
The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program is open for applications. Interested startups can apply via the official website.
It's important to note that the program is focused on tech startups that leverage AI to address major challenges. The startups must either use an AI-first approach or integrate AI meaningfully into their operations.
Impact of the Program
The startups that have participated in the program have collectively raised more than $300 million and created over 3,000 jobs. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, agriculture is a significant aspect of many communities, but smallholder farmers often face challenges due to limited access to credit, digital tools, and formal financial systems. The startups participating in the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program are primarily based in Africa and demonstrate a clear product-market fit with the potential to scale.
In conclusion, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program offers a unique opportunity for African startups to receive support, training, and networking opportunities to help them grow and make a meaningful impact in their respective sectors. If you are an AI-driven startup addressing practical, local challenges, consider applying for the 2025 cohort.
- The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program, focusing on tech startups that utilize AI to address major challenges, particularly in sectors like fintech, agriculture, healthtech, and professional services, invites innovative companies to apply for the 2025 cohort, providing equity-free support, mentorship, customized technical training, and networking opportunities.
- Startups that successfully secure a place in the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program could potentially benefit from up to $350K in Google Cloud credits, mentorship, and networking opportunities, as well as the ability to grow and make a meaningful impact in their respective sectors, just like Crop2Cash, a startup that simplifies farming and equips farmers with digital tools on their agricultural journey.
