The chosen startups, hailing from Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria,
South Africa, and Uganda, were selected from nearly 1,000 submissions,
underscoring the exceptional talent and innovation present within the African
tech landscape.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the search engine
giant emphasized that startups are crucial in fostering economic growth and
technological advancement in Africa.
By providing localized solutions to specific challenges,
these startups are not only generating employment opportunities but also
improving the overall quality of life throughout the continent, according to
Google.
Despite the ongoing "funding winter" in
Sub-Saharan Africa, characterized by a decline in investment, the tech company
noted that the resilience and creativity of African entrepreneurs continue to
stand out.
“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 $263m and created more than 2,800 direct jobs,
showcasing the program’s substantial impact on the African tech landscape,” the
technology multinational stated.
The current cohort prioritizes artificial intelligence,
underscoring the increasing significance of advanced technologies in tackling
Africa's most urgent issues.
The Head of Startups Programs for Google in Africa, Folarin
Aiyegbusi, said, “We are thrilled to welcome the 8th cohort of the Google for
Startups Accelerator Africa program.
“These startups represent the future of African innovation,
harnessing the power of technology to solve real-world problems and uplift
their communities. We are committed to supporting these founders by providing
them with the resources and mentorship they need to succeed and scale their
solutions.”
Meet the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Class 8:
CDIAL AI (Nigeria): Transforming multilingual
communication across Africa with the power of artificial and collective
intelligence.
Earthbond (Nigeria): Lighting up homes and businesses
across Africa with affordable, reliable energy solutions, bolstered by carbon
accounting and development finance.
Fixxr (South Africa): Putting car owners and
businesses in the driver’s seat with transparent and convenient on-location
vehicle maintenance and repair services.
Lifesten Health (Rwanda): Innovating health and
wellness through cutting-edge screening and incentive-based programs focused on
physical, mental, and nutritional health.
MyAIFactchecker (Nigeria): Equipping users with an
AI-powered tool to combat misinformation and promote informed decision-making
through fact-checking.
Nakili (Kenya): Bringing salons, barbershops, and
spas into the digital age with a mobile-based app for streamlined management
and enhanced customer experiences.
NextCounsel (Nigeria): Supercharging lawyer
productivity with an AI-powered tool for contract management, solicitor
engagement, compliance, and more.
Nobuk Africa (Kenya): Simplifying financial
management for groups and collectives across Africa with a seamless platform
for collecting funds, reconciling payments, and generating reports.
Rana Energy (Nigeria): Providing clean, reliable
energy solutions to SMEs and communities through a data-driven ecosystem.
Triply (Kenya): Building Africa’s travel operating
system, connecting travellers with seamless booking experiences and travel
businesses with powerful management tools.
From July 29th to September 20th, 2024, these ten startups
will participate in a structured program designed to support their growth.
Google said these startups will receive direct access to the
expertise of mentors and seasoned entrepreneurs who have navigated the startup
path.
“They will engage in technical workshops to refine their
products, hone their business strategies, and strengthen their leadership
skills. The program will also prepare them to secure follow-on funding from
Google’s global network of investors,” the statement highlighted.
The participation of these startups in the accelerator
program represents a pivotal milestone in their trajectory towards scaling
their solutions and augmenting their impact.