Google has announced the 2024 cohort for its Startups Accelerator Africa programme, showcasing 10 groundbreaking startups from Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa. Selected from nearly 1,000 applicants, these startups are recognized for their innovative AI solutions addressing critical challenges in health, climate, and fintech. Over the next three months, these startups will receive training, mentoring, and technical support through a virtual platform, amplifying their impact across various sectors.
The Power of AI in Africa
This year’s cohort underscores the transformative potential of AI in solving Africa’s most pressing issues. Research indicates that AI could contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030, with $1.2 million potentially generated from Africa, representing a 5.6% increase in the continent’s GDP. The Startups Accelerator Africa programme highlights the talent and innovation within the African tech scene, essential for driving economic growth and improving quality of life across the continent.
Meet the 2024 Cohort
Nigeria
- CDIAL AI
- Founders: Yinka Iyinolakan and Shona Olaler
- Focus: Enhances multilingual information systems using AI, aiming to improve healthcare and trade across Africa.
- Earthbond
- Founder: Chidalu Onyenso
- Founded: 2022
- Focus: Provides affordable, reliable energy solutions supported by carbon accounting and development finance.
- MyAIfactchecker
- Founder: Abideen Oladipo (part of the BrainBuilder Youth Development Initiative)
- Focus: Offers AI tools for verifying news and information authenticity.
- NextCounsel
- Founders: Samson Adegunle, Fope Akinmola, and Gbadebo Ojikutu
- Founded: 2017
- Focus: Delivers data-driven technology solutions for legal challenges.
- Rana Energy
- Founder: Mubarak Popoola
- Founded: 2023
- Focus: Provides clean energy solutions for SMEs and communities.
Kenya
- Nakili
- Founders: Kebati Calvin and Gladys Kibera
- Focus: Mobile app designed to streamline the management of salons, barbershops, and spas.
- Nobuk Africa
- Founders: Alan Mwangi and Elvis Bando
- Founded: 2022
- Focus: Financial management tool for groups and collectives, offering data collection, payment tracking, and automated reports.
- Triply
- Founders: Collins Muthinja and Peter Wachira
- Founded: 2021
- Focus: Building Africa’s travel operating system with tools for seamless bookings and travel management.
Rwanda
- LifeStein Health
- Founded: 2021
- Focus: Improves overall wellness with programs covering physical, mental, and nutritional health.
South Africa
- Fixxr
- Founders: Bayabulela Jolobe, Mawethu Soga, and Curtis Young
- Founded: 2018
- Focus: Provides car repair and maintenance services through a network of mobile mechanics.
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Programme Support and Impact
The Google Accelerator Africa programme, running from July 29 to September 20, 2024, offers selected startups non-equity support, mentoring, technical boot camps, and Google product credits. Since its inception in 2018, the programme has supported over 106 startups from 17 African countries, securing $263 million in funding and creating over 2,800 jobs.
Previous Success Stories
In 2023, four African startups—Afrohealth, eBango, Rivet, and Expedier—participated in the Google for Startups Accelerator: Black Founders programme. Additionally, Google awarded $4 million to 25 African companies in its third Black Founders Fund cohort, aiding their expansion and job creation efforts.
Conclusion
The 2024 Google Startups Accelerator Africa programme highlights the pivotal role of AI in addressing Africa’s critical challenges. By supporting innovative startups, Google is fostering a new wave of technological advancement and economic growth across the continent. These startups are not only driving progress in their respective sectors but are also pivotal in improving the quality of life for millions of Africans.