Google has announced the opening of applications for its 2025 Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program, a three-month initiative aimed at empowering early-stage African startups leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle pressing regional challenges.
Now in its seventh year, the program targets Seed to Series A startups based in Africa with AI-first solutions. Eligible startups must have a live product, at least one founder of African descent, and a commitment to responsible AI innovation.
In 2024, Nigerian startups comprised 50% of the program’s cohort, which included 10 AI-driven startups from Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, addressing challenges in fintech, climate, health, and other sectors.
Program Benefits
Selected startups will gain access to:
- Tailored technical mentorship from Google and industry leaders
- Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits
- Connections to a global network of investors, partners, and collaborators
- Workshops on technology, product strategy, leadership, and AI implementation
Google’s AI Focus in Africa
Google emphasizes AI’s transformative potential for Africa’s development, with McKinsey projecting that AI could contribute $1.3 trillion to the continent’s economy by 2030 if grassroots innovation is supported. Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google, stated, “African startups are key to solving local challenges. With the right support, their impact can scale globally. This program champions AI innovation rooted in African contexts.”
Proven Impact
Since its inception in 2018, the Accelerator has supported 140 startups across 17 African countries, collectively raising over $300 million and creating more than 3,000 jobs.
Many alumni are now leaders in their sectors. For instance, Crop2Cash, an agritech alumnus, uses AI to onboard smallholder farmers digitally, enabling access to credit, traceable payments, and productivity tools, thereby enhancing agricultural outcomes and economic inclusion.
Application Details
Startups can apply for the 2025 cohort at https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/africa.
