Google has announced the selection of 10 startups for its Africa Accelerator Programme, a three-month virtual initiative designed to assist African startups in utilizing technology to tackle some of the continent’s most urgent challenges.
The selected startups, which come from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Uganda, were chosen from nearly 1,000 applications. This highlights the impressive talent and creativity present within the African tech ecosystem.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the tech giant emphasized the crucial role that startups play in fostering economic growth and technological innovation across Africa.
By providing tailored solutions to local issues, these startups are not only generating employment but also improving the overall quality of life in their communities, according to Google.
Despite the ongoing “funding winter” affecting Sub-Saharan Africa, where investment has slowed down, the company noted that the resilience and ingenuity of African entrepreneurs continue to shine through.
Since its launch in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has supported a total of 106 startups from 17 different African countries.
These startups have collectively raised over $263 million and created more than 2,800 direct jobs, illustrating the significant impact of the program on the African tech landscape.
This year’s cohort places a strong focus on artificial intelligence, reflecting the increasing importance of advanced technologies in addressing Africa’s most pressing issues.
Folarin Aiyegbusi, the Head of Startups Programs for Google in Africa, expressed excitement about welcoming the 8th cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program.
He stated that these startups symbolize the future of innovation in Africa, harnessing technology to solve real-world problems and uplift their communities. Google is dedicated to providing these founders with the resources and mentorship they need to thrive and scale their solutions.
