Google Launches 2025 Startups Accelerator for AI Innovations in Africa

Google has announced the opening of applications for its 2025 Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program. This three-month initiative is aimed at supporting early-stage startups that are leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to tackle some of the most urgent challenges facing the African continent. By providing access to critical resources, mentorship, and funding, the program seeks to empower innovators to scale their solutions and address pressing issues such as agriculture, healthcare, and financial inclusion.

Startups across Africa are increasingly demonstrating how local innovation can make a significant impact. One such example is Crop2Cash, an agritech platform from West Africa. As an alumni of the program, Crop2Cash uses AI to digitally onboard smallholder farmers, helping them build financial identities, access credit, and improve productivity through traceable payments and modern agricultural tools. This initiative showcases the potential of AI to drive positive change in various sectors of the economy.

Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem at Google Africa, emphasized that African startups are at the forefront of solving local problems and have the potential to scale their impact globally. He stated that the accelerator reflects Google’s belief in the transformative power of AI when applied by those who understand the unique challenges of the region. The program provides critical resources that help startups expand their reach and effectiveness in addressing issues that affect millions.

Since its inception in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator has supported 140 startups from 17 different African countries. These startups have collectively raised over $300 million in funding and created more than 3,000 jobs. Many of the alumni have gone on to become leaders in their respective industries, achieving both regional and global recognition for their innovative solutions.

Source: Thisday