Google has unveiled the 15 pioneering tech start-ups selected for the ninth cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa programme.
These innovative ventures, based in Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, are harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to address pressing challenges across diverse sectors such as fintech, agritech, healthtech, and professional services.
In a continent where start-ups are increasingly tackling critical issues, many still struggle to scale due to limited access to mentorship, funding, and technical support. Initiatives like Google’s Accelerator programme are designed to bridge this gap by connecting founders to world-class resources—including cutting-edge AI tools and a global network of experts—helping them grow sustainable solutions with local and global impact.
Following a competitive application process launched in April 2025, nearly 1,500 applications were received. The selected 15 start-ups reflect Google’s ongoing commitment to nurturing Africa’s vibrant tech ecosystem and empowering founders to accelerate growth and innovation.
“African start-ups are at the forefront of solving key challenges on the continent, and their use of AI is truly transformative,” said Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Start-up Ecosystem, Africa at Google.
“This programme underscores our belief that AI, when developed by those with deep contextual understanding, can be a powerful tool for change. We’re excited to support these founders as they build solutions that drive inclusive growth and impact.”
Three-Month Hybrid Programme
Running from 23rd June to 22nd August 2025, the three-month hybrid accelerator will offer participants:
- Dedicated mentorship from experienced Google engineers and industry experts
- Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits
- Strategic support in AI adoption, product development, and business scaling
- Access to a global network of investors, partners, and collaborators
Since its launch in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme has supported 153 start-ups across 17 African countries, with alumni collectively raising over $300 million in funding and creating more than 3,500 jobs. Google has directly contributed $5 million in equity-free funding and product credits to support these entrepreneurs.
Meet the Class 9 Cohort
- AFRIKABAL (Rwanda): A blockchain and AI-powered platform enabling secure, transparent crop trading between farmers, buyers, and logistics providers.
- Apexloads (Kenya): A logistics SaaS platform helping freight brokers and transporters move cargo efficiently using verified partners.
- E-doc Online (Nigeria): Streamlines compliance and credit checks by analysing real-time banking data for smarter onboarding and lending decisions.
- GoNomad (Nigeria): Supports global business operations for SMEs and solopreneurs, including invoicing and cross-border payments.
- Midddleman (Nigeria): Offers secure, intelligent sourcing and payment solutions for African businesses importing goods from China.
- Myltura (Nigeria): An AI-powered health platform providing remote care, diagnostic testing access, and seamless health data management.
- Pastel (Nigeria): Delivers enterprise AI solutions for financial institutions, including fraud detection and anti-money laundering tools.
- Rapid Human AI (South Africa): A design-to-code AI platform that reduces development time by up to 80%.
- Regulon (Ghana): AI-based compliance and onboarding tool simplifying regulatory workflows for African and EMEA businesses.
- Scandium (Nigeria): Offers an AI Quality Assurance suite with automated end-to-end testing for faster, bug-free software delivery.
- Shamba Records (Kenya): Empowers over 50,000 African farmers with AI-driven smart credit, market access, and climate-resilient agriculture.
- Smartel Agri Tech (Rwanda): Uses solar-powered AI devices and SMS alerts to help smallholder farmers combat crop pests and diseases early.
- TOLBI (Senegal): Leverages AI and satellite imagery to enhance agricultural sustainability and forecast crop yields.
- YeneHealth (Ethiopia): A digital health platform streamlining access to affordable, quality healthcare and medication using AI.
- Zerone Analytiqs (Ghana): Tackles Africa’s data scarcity by revolutionising how data is sourced, analysed, and applied to decision-making.
