Meet Google For Startups Accelerator Africa 2024 Cohort

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Published by Stephen Oluwadara at August 1, 2024

Google is Providing Support For Innovation in Africa

Since 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has been offering crucial support to the dynamic African startup ecosystem. This African tech ecosystem has been a hub of innovation, driven by startups tackling local and global challenges with tenacity and creativity.

So far, the program has assisted more than 106 startups from 17 African countries, secured $263 million in funding, and created more than 2,800 jobs. This will be the 8th cohort of 10 startups, which were selected from about 1000 applications.

These startups address healthcare, cargo mobility, energy solutions, and more. For the next three months, they will benefit from training, mentoring, and technical support. Their AI expertise will be applied to address various sectoral challenges, enhancing their impact.

In the press report, Folarin Oreoluwa Aiyegbusi, the Head of the Startup Ecosystem in Africa, said, “These startups from Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, and South Africa share a collective mission: using artificial intelligence to solve pressing challenges on the continent. They are not merely creating businesses; they are shaping a future where technology empowers and uplifts communities.”

Meet the 2023 Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Cohort:

CDIAL AI

Founded by Yinka Iyinolakan and Shona Olalere, CDIAL AI is a Nigerian startup transforming multilingual communication across Africa with the power of artificial and collective intelligence.

Earthbond

Created in 2022 by Chidalu Onyenso, this Nigerian startup is lighting up homes and businesses across Africa with affordable, reliable energy solutions bolstered by carbon accounting and development finance.

Fixxr

Fixxr is putting car owners and businesses in the driver’s seat with transparent and convenient on-location vehicle maintenance and repair services. It was co-founded in 2018 by Bayabulela Jolobe, Mawethu Soga, and Curtis Young in South Africa.

Lifesten Health

Co-founded by Stephen Ogweno and Peace Iraguha in 2021, Lifesten Health is a Rwandan company innovating health and wellness through cutting-edge screening and incentive-based programs focused on physical, mental, and nutritional health.

MyAIFactchecker

This is an AI-powered tool established in Nigeria by Abideen Oladipo in 2022. It equips users to combat misinformation and promote informed decision-making through fact-checking.

Nakili

Nakili is a Kenyan startup bringing salons, barbershops, and spas into the digital age with a mobile-based app for streamlined management and enhanced customer experiences. It was co-founded by Kebati Calvin and Gladys Kibera in 2022.

NextCounsel

NextCounsel is a leading provider of innovative, data-driven, end-to-end technology solutions that eliminate the legal sector’s inefficiencies. The Nigerian platform is supercharging lawyer productivity with an AI-powered tool for contract management, solicitor engagement, compliance, and more. It was created by Samson Adegunle, Fope Akinmola, and Gbadebo Ojikutu in 2017.

Nobuk Africa

Founded in 2022 by Alan Mwangi and Elvis Bando in Kenya, Nobuk is simplifying financial management for groups and collectives across Africa with a seamless platform for collecting funds, reconciling payments, and generating reports.

Rana Energy

Rana Energy is a Nigerian company providing clean, reliable energy solutions to SMEs and communities through a data-driven ecosystem. The startup was established in 2022 by Abraham Mohammed and Mubarak Popoola.

Triply

Created in Kenya by Peter Wachira and Collins Muthinja in 2022, Triply is building Africa’s travel operating system, connecting travelers with seamless booking experiences and travel businesses with powerful management tools.

Main Image: Fixxr Founders. From L-R; Curtis Young, Mawethu Soga, and Bayabulela Jolobe Image Source: Fixxr

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