Global tech giant Google has announced the 15 startups selected for the 9th cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa, a prestigious program supporting early-stage companies leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to solve real-world problems across the continent. Kenya’s Shamba Records and Apexloads are among the standout innovators selected for this year’s class.

This year’s cohort features trailblazing startups from Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, operating in critical sectors such as agritech, fintech, logistics, healthtech, and regulatory technology. These startups were selected from a highly competitive pool of nearly 1,500 applicants across Africa, underscoring the growing momentum of the continent’s AI ecosystem.

“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, Africa at Google. “This program reflects our belief that AI can be transformative when shaped by those who understand the context deeply.”

The three-month hybrid accelerator program runs from June 23 to August 22, 2025, and provides startups with expert-led technical mentorship, up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, AI strategy and implementation guidance, product development support, and access to a global investor and partner network.

Kenya’s AI Champions

Shamba Records, a Nairobi-based agritech startup, uses AI to empower over 50,000 African farmers with access to smart credit, climate-resilient farming insights, and reliable market linkages. Their AI-powered platform digitizes farming records and provides data-driven support for smallholder farmers.

Apexloads, also from Kenya, is a logistics SaaS platform transforming cargo movement across Africa. The startup enables freight brokers, forwarders, and transporters to connect with verified logistics partners, improving efficiency, trust, and speed in regional trade.

Impact Beyond the Program

Since launching in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has supported 153 startups from 17 African countries, helping them raise over $300 million in funding and create more than 3,500 jobs. Google has invested over $5 million in equity-free funding and product support to fuel innovation across the continent.

This latest cohort reflects the growing importance of African-born AI solutions in driving economic and social transformation. From combating crop diseases using solar-powered AI devices, to improving access to healthcare and digital payments, these startups exemplify Africa’s tech-driven resilience and creativity.

Full List of Selected Startups – Class 9

AFRIKABAL (Rwanda): Blockchain + AI-powered crop trading platform

Apexloads (Kenya): Logistics SaaS for verified cargo movement

E-doc Online (Nigeria): AI credit & compliance data platform

GoNomad (Nigeria): Global business and freelancer invoicing tool

Midddleman (Nigeria): Sourcing and payment platform for African importers

Myltura (Nigeria): Remote care and digital health platform

Pastel (Nigeria): AI-powered fraud detection for financial institutions

Rapid Human AI (South Africa): AI platform turning ideas into code

Regulon (Ghana): AI regulatory compliance and onboarding tool

Scandium (Nigeria): AI-driven software testing and automation suite

Shamba Records (Kenya): AI for smart agriculture and farmer finance

Smartel Agri Tech (Rwanda): Solar AI devices for early pest detection

TOLBI (Senegal): AI + satellite data for sustainable agriculture

YeneHealth (Ethiopia): AI healthcare access and medication finder

Zerone Analytiqs (Ghana): Data sourcing and AI analytics platform