Google selects five Nigerian startups for Africa accelerator programme

Google has selected five Nigerian startups for its Africa accelerator programme.

The technology company unveiled the 8th cohort of its accelerator Africa programme, featuring ten innovative startups from Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa.

These startups include CDIAL AI (Nigeria), Earthbond (Nigeria), Fixxr (South Africa), Lifesten Health (Rwanda), and MyAIFactchecker (Nigeria).

Others include Nakili (Kenya), NextCounsel (Nigeria), Nobuk Africa (Kenya), Rana Energy (Nigeria) and Triply (Kenya).

Google, in a statement on Tuesday, said the startups were selected from nearly 1,000 applications, underscoring the exceptional talent and creativity within the African tech ecosystem.

“Startups play a pivotal role in driving economic development and technological innovation in Africa,” the statement reads.

“By addressing local challenges with tailored solutions, these startups are not only creating jobs but also enhancing the quality of life across the continent.

“Despite the current “funding winter” in Sub-Saharan Africa, where investment flows have slowed, the resilience and ingenuity of African entrepreneurs continue to shine.

“Since its inception in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries.

“These startups have collectively raised over $263 million and created more than 2,800 direct jobs, showcasing the program’s substantial impact on the African tech landscape.

“This year’s cohort places a strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, highlighting the growing importance of advanced technologies in addressing Africa’s most pressing challenges.”

Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of startups programmes for Google in Africa, said the startups represent the future of African innovation, harnessing the power of technology to solve real-world problems and uplift their communities.

He reiterated Google’s commitment to supporting the founders by providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed and scale their solutions.

Google said from July 29 to September 20, 2024, the ten startups will participate in a structured programme designed to support their growth.

The company added that they will receive direct access to the expertise of Google mentors and seasoned entrepreneurs who have navigated the startup path.

The programme, according to the tech giant, will also prepare them to secure follow-on funding from Google’s global network of investors and allow them to engage in technical workshops to refine their products, hone their business strategies, and strengthen their leadership skills.