Nigerian, Kenyan, Rwandan Startups Lead Google’s Africa AI Accelerator 2025
Google has announced the 15 startups selected for the ninth edition of its Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa, and the majority hail from Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda. This year’s cohort reflects the growing innovation across East and West Africa, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI). Selected from nearly 1,500 applicants, the startups are addressing major issues ranging from agriculture and health to logistics, compliance, and fintech.
Nigeria leads the list with six startups, further cementing its role as Africa’s top tech hub. Notable Nigerian ventures include E-doc Online for real-time compliance checks, GoNomad for global business payments, and Myltura, a digital health platform using AI to enhance remote care. Others, like Pastel and Scandium, offer enterprise-grade AI solutions for finance and software development.
Kenya is represented by three startups focused on AI applications in agriculture and logistics. These include Apexloads, a platform connecting freight brokers and transporters, and Shamba Records, which uses AI to improve farmers’ access to credit and markets. Smartel Agri Tech is also tackling rural agricultural challenges by providing SMS-based pest alerts through solar-powered devices.
Rwanda also contributes two innovative startups: AFRIKABAL, a blockchain and AI-powered trading platform for agricultural stakeholders, and Smartel Agri Tech, which enhances early detection of crop diseases. Startups from South Africa, Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal complete the cohort, offering cutting-edge solutions in healthtech, regulatory technology, and sustainable farming.
Over the next three months (June 23–August 22, 2025), participants will benefit from mentorship, product development support, up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, and investor access. Since 2018, the program has supported 153 startups in 17 African countries, helping them raise over $300 million and create 3,500+ jobs. The prominence of Nigerian, Kenyan, and Rwandan ventures in this year’s class reflects Africa’s rising leadership in AI-driven innovation.
Source: Leadership