Google has selected 15 African startups specialising in artificial intelligence for the tenth cohort of its continental accelerator programme. From 2,600 applications, they represent 7 countries and sectors ranging from fintech and health to agritech. Over eight years, the programme has helped raise $263 million and create 2,800 jobs.
15 chosen from 2,600 applications
A selection rate below 0.6% speaks to the growing competition within Africa's tech ecosystem. The 15 startups chosen for Class 10 come from 7 countries: Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda, Senegal, Tanzania and Côte d'Ivoire. The programme ran from April to June 2026, over three months.
Sectors represented include fintech and cross-border payments, agritech and agricultural digitisation, healthtech, mobility, SaaS and AI infrastructure. The focus on AI is deliberate: Google intends to make this programme an accelerator for artificial intelligence adoption across the continent.
Mentorship, cloud resources and human capital
The 15 startups access sector expert mentors, technical workshops and Google cloud and AI resources. The programme takes no equity stake — the emphasis is on support and access to Google's international networks to facilitate future fundraising.
An eloquent 8-year track record
Since its 2018 launch, Google for Startups Accelerator Africa has supported 106 startups across 17 African countries. These companies have collectively raised over $263 million and created approximately 2,800 jobs. Class 10 continues an upward trajectory, with a growing focus on startups tackling distinctly African challenges through AI.
Why it matters
AI is reshaping business models across the continent. Google is positioning its programme as a structuring lever for this nascent ecosystem. For regional investors — including Mauritian and Réunionnais ones — startups from these cohorts represent early-stage opportunities worth watching. Africa is producing increasingly globally visible technology champions.
Sources: TechAfrica News, Disrupt Africa, Google Blog