Google has unveiled the ninth edition of its Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa program, spotlighting 15 innovative, AI-driven startups from across the continent. Nigerian startups emerged as dominant participants in this year’s cohort, which also includes companies from Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa. These startups are leveraging artificial intelligence to tackle critical issues in fintech, healthtech, agritech, and professional services.

Folarin Aiyegbusi, Google’s Head of Startup Ecosystem in Africa, emphasized the transformative role African entrepreneurs are playing through AI-driven solutions. He noted that the initiative supports founders who deeply understand local challenges and are crafting impactful, inclusive AI technologies to address them.

Over the next three months, the selected startups will undergo a hybrid accelerator program that combines in-person and virtual sessions. Participants will benefit from hands-on technical mentorship by Google engineers, strategic business guidance, and access to up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits to fuel AI development and product scaling.

In addition to technical resources, the program connects startups to a global network of investors, collaborators, and industry experts. This exposure is designed to amplify their market reach and accelerate growth. Since its launch in 2018, the program has supported 153 startups across 17 African countries, helping them raise over $300 million in funding and generate more than 3,500 jobs.

Among the 15 selected startups are nine from Nigeria, including E-doc Online, GoNomad, Midddleman, Myltura, Pastel, and Scandium. Their inclusion reinforces Nigeria’s growing reputation as a regional AI and startup powerhouse. Other notable entries include AFRIKABAL (Rwanda), Rapid Human AI (South Africa), Regulon (Ghana), and YeneHealth (Ethiopia), all chosen for their innovative application of AI to solve real-world problems.

Source: Business Day