Nairobi: Google has opened applications for the 2025 Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program, targeting Seed to Series A startups across the continent that are focused on developing AI-first solutions. This initiative seeks to empower startups that have a live product, at least one founder of African descent, and a clear vision for responsible AI innovation.
According to Kenya News Agency, Folarin Aiyegbusi, the Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa, at Google, emphasized the potential of startups in Africa as problem solvers, noting that with adequate resources, their impact can extend beyond local communities. Aiyegbusi stated, "This program reflects our belief that AI can be transformative when shaped by those who understand the context deeply."
The Accelerator Africa program offers a three-month support system for early-stage startups leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle significant challenges in Africa. Across the continent, startups are using local innovation to address ingrained issues. In West Africa, for instance, Crop2Cash-an agritech platform and alumni of the program-is employing AI to digitally onboard smallholder farmers, enhance their financial identities, and provide them access to credit, traceable payments, and productivity tools. This approach is improving agricultural outcomes and unlocking economic opportunities for farmers traditionally excluded from formal systems.
Selected participants of the program will benefit from dedicated technical mentorship from Google and industry experts, up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, and access to a global network of investors, partners, and collaborators. Additionally, workshops will focus on technology, product strategy, people leadership, and AI implementation.
The potential of AI to expedite Africa's development is significant, and Google's investment aims to ensure African startups are at the forefront of this advancement. McKinsey estimates that AI could contribute $1.3 trillion to Africa's economy by 2030, highlighting the importance of supporting bold innovation at the grassroots level.
Since its inception in 2018, the program has supported 140 startups from 17 African countries. These alumni have collectively raised more than $300 million in funding and created over 3,000 jobs, with many emerging as regional and global leaders in their respective fields.