Google selects 15 startups for 2025 accelerator program
.jpg?width=1280&auto=webp&quality=80&format=jpg&disable=upscale "One male and two female colleagues working on a laptop in a startup's office.")
(Source: Image by freepik)
Google has chosen 15 tech startups for its latest Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program.
The startups selected are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to address significant challenges across diverse sectors, including fintech, agritech, healthtech and professional services.
Six out of the 15 chosen startups in this ninth iteration of the project hail from Nigeria while the others come from Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal and South Africa. The selection follows a competitive application process that began in April 2025, drawing nearly 1,500 applications from across the continent.
"African startups are at the forefront of solving critical challenges across the continent, and their work with AI is truly transformative," said Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of startup ecosystem for Africa at Google.
"This program reflects our belief that AI can be transformative when shaped by those who understand the context deeply. We are incredibly excited to support these founders who are building for impact and helping to shape an inclusive AI ecosystem across Africa," Aiyegbusi added.
Over the next three months, the selected startups will participate in a hybrid accelerator program. Participants will receive dedicated technical mentorship from experienced Google engineers and industry experts, up to US$350,000 in Google Cloud credits, and strategic support in AI implementation, product leadership and business growth.
Related:Google shortlists 10 African startups for accelerator program
They will also gain access to a global network of investors, partners and collaborators, amplifying their reach and impact.
This selection is bigger than in recent years when ten startups were shortlisted.
Related:Google launches AI accelerator for Africa
.jpg?width=700&auto=webp&quality=80&disable=upscale "Logos of the startups chosen by Google for the Startups Accelerator Africa program.")
The startups on the ninth cohort are from Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa. (Source: Google)
Since its inception in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has supported 153 startups from 17 African countries.
Collectively, these alumni have raised over US$300 million in funding and created more than 3,500 jobs.
Google said it has directly contributed US$5 million through a combination of equity-free funding and product credits to support these founders.
