Google has announced the opening of applications for the 2025 edition of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program, aimed at empowering early-stage startups leveraging artificial intelligence to solve critical challenges across the continent.
The three-month accelerator is designed to support Seed to Series A-stage startups building AI-first solutions in Africa. Eligible startups must have a live product, at least one founder of African descent, and a clear vision for responsible AI development.
Selected participants will receive up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, access to expert mentorship from Google and industry leaders, and inclusion in a global network of investors, partners, and collaborators. They will also benefit from targeted workshops on product strategy, technology development, leadership, and AI integration.
Highlighting the potential of AI to drive inclusive growth in Africa, Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google, said: “Startups are Africa’s problem solvers. With the right resources, they can scale their impact far beyond local communities. This program reflects our belief that AI can be transformative when shaped by those who understand the context deeply.”
The initiative has already supported 140 startups across 17 African countries since its launch in 2018. These startups have collectively raised over $300 million in funding and created more than 3,000 jobs. One standout alumni, Nigeria-based agritech platform Crop2Cash, uses AI to help smallholder farmers access credit and build financial identities, showcasing the transformative power of AI in agriculture.
Google’s commitment is rooted in research that suggests AI could add $1.3 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, provided that grassroots innovation is nurtured.
Applications for the 2025 cohort are currently open. Interested startups can apply via the program’s official page at: https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/africa
For updates and more information, visit the Google Africa Blog or follow @GoogleAfrica on social media.
