- Google has unveiled the 2024 Startups Accelerator Africa programme cohort, featuring 10 innovative startups from Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa. Chosen from nearly 1,000 applications, these startups are recognised for their cutting-edge AI solutions tackling health, climate, and fintech challenges.
- Over the next three months, the startups will benefit from training, mentoring, and technical support via a virtual platform provided by the accelerator. Their AI expertise will be applied to address various sectoral challenges, enhancing their impact.
- This initiative highlights the talent and innovation within the African tech scene, underscoring how these startups are vital for driving economic growth and technological progress while improving the quality of life across the continent.
This year's cohort emphasises harnessing the power of AI in addressing Africa's most pressing challenges. Research has shown that the technology has the potential to contribute up to $15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030 of which 1.2 million could be generated from Africa representing a 5.6% increase in the continent's gross domestic product by 2030.
Here’s a look at the startups in this year’s Africa accelerator programme:
- CDIAL AI: Co-founded by Yinka Iyinolakan and Shona Olaler in Nigeria, CDIAL AI uses AI to enhance multilingual information systems, aiming to improve healthcare and trade across Africa.
- Earthbond: Established in 2022 by Chidalu Onyenso, this Nigerian company offers affordable, reliable energy solutions, backed by carbon accounting and development finance.
- Fixxr: Founded in 2018 by Bayabulela Jolobe, Mawethu Soga, and Curtis Young in South Africa, Fixxr provides car repair and maintenance services through a network of mobile mechanics.
- LifeStein Health: This Rwandan health startup, launched in 2021, focuses on improving overall wellness with programs covering physical, mental, and nutritional health.
- MyAIfactchecker: Created by Abideen Oladipo, this Nigerian startup, part of the BrainBuilder Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), offers AI tools for verifying news and information authenticity.
- Nakili: Founded in Kenya by Kebati Calvin and Gladys Kibera, Nakili is a mobile app designed to streamline the management of salons, barbershops, and spas.
- NextCounsel: Launched in 2017 by Samson Adegunle, Fope Akinmola, and Gbadebo Ojikutu in Nigeria, NextCounsel delivers data-driven technology solutions for legal challenges.
- Nobuk Africa: Founded in 2022 by Alan Mwangi and Elvis Bando in Kenya, Nobuk Africa is a financial management tool focused on groups and collectives, offering data collection, payment tracking, and automated reports.
- Rana Energy: This Nigerian green-energy startup, started by Mubarak Popoola in 2023, provides clean energy solutions for SMEs and communities.
- Triply: Founded in 2021 by Collins Muthinja and Peter Wachira in Kenya, Triply is building Africa’s travel operating system with tools for seamless bookings and travel management.
The Google Accelerator Africa programme, running from July 29 to September 20, 2024, provides selected startups with non-equity support, mentoring, technical boot camps, and Google product credits.
Since its 2018 launch, it has assisted over 106 startups from 17 African countries, securing $263 million in funding and creating over 2,800 jobs.
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, helping them expand and create more jobs.
