By Dipo Olowookere
Ten small companies from Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa have been chosen for the eighth cohort of the prestigious Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme.
Business Post reports that five companies from Nigeria made the cut, Kenya produced three, while Rwanda and South Africa had one each.
Google disclosed that the 10 firms were picked from nearly 1,000 applications, and from July 29 to September 20, 2024, they will participate in a structured program designed to support their growth.
The startups will also receive direct access to the expertise of Google 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 scheme will also prepare them to secure follow-on funding from Google’s global network of investors.
The startups from Nigeria include CDIAL AI, which is transforming multilingual communication across Africa; Earthbond, involved in affordable energy solutions; MyAIFactchecker, which equips users with an AI-powered tool to combat misinformation; NextCounsel, which supercharges lawyer productivity with an AI-powered tool; and Rana Energy, which provides clean energy solutions to SMEs.
The firms from Kenya are Nakili, which has a mobile app for salons, and others; Nobuk Africa, which simplifies financial management for groups and collectives; and Triply, a travel app.
Fixxr from South Africa operates an application to provide vehicle maintenance and repair services, and Lifesten Health from Rwanda provides cutting-edge screening and incentive-based programs focused on physical, mental, and nutritional health.
“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,” the Head of Startups Programs for Google in Africa, Mr Folarin Aiyegbusi, said.
Since its inception in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries, which have collectively raised over $263 million and created more than 2,800 direct jobs.