Grace Ashiru
Google has announced the six startups chosen for its 2024 Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program. This initiative provides equity-free support valued at approximately USD 50,000, alongside mentorship and access to Google’s extensive resources, including up to USD 200,000 in Google Cloud credits. The program aims to empower these startups to drive significant growth and impact within Africa’s digital economy. Earlier this year, Google also revealed the 8th cohort for its AI-focused accelerator program.
This year’s cohort features:
•Aveade: A digital marketplace designed to connect buyers and sellers, emphasising accessibility and a wide variety of products.
•Breaze Delivery: A real-time delivery platform that links businesses with a network of drivers, ensuring efficient and seamless logistics.
•Mapha Logistics: A provider of innovative digital tools tailored to help township, peri-urban, and rural merchants optimise their business operations.
•Swagshack: An online marketplace for streetwear that connects emerging fashion brands with customers, while streamlining order management and deliveries.
•Vuleka: An e-commerce and fintech platform that bridges informal township businesses with both online and offline customers.
•Wisi-Oi: A video-focused fashion resale platform enabling the buying and selling of pre-owned clothing with ease.
Participants benefit from access to Google’s vast network, advanced tools, and industry-leading mentorship, empowering them to scale their operations and drive innovation. This initiative builds on the success of Google’s Black Founders Fund (BFF) 2023, which awarded each of its 25 African startups USD 150,000 in non-dilutive cash funding and USD 200,000 in Google Cloud credits. The accelerator remains committed to fostering transformative growth within Africa’s tech ecosystem.
