Sylvia Duruson
Google has announced the first 11 African startups chosen for its new “Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First” program. The 10-week program aims to empower emerging innovators leveraging AI across Africa.
Google’s significant investment highlights its commitment to strengthening AI’s transformative potential on the continent. Per McKinsey, AI could add $1.3 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030.
The selected startups hail from 7 African countries and are applying AI across sectors like logistics, commerce, fintech, and healthcare. Dial Afrika from Kenya is developing customer service tools for African SMBs. Fastagger, also from Kenya, is using AI to boost sales and loyalty for MSMEs.
Uganda’s Logistify AI is minimising inventory losses in facilities through AI. Ethiopia’s Garri Logistics is digitising freight brokerage and transport. Another Ethiopian startup, Telescope, has created a business intelligence tool enabling data-driven decisions.
Chatbots Africa from Ghana is powering social commerce for small businesses. Nigeria’s Famasi Africa has an AI-powered operating system for pharmacies in emerging markets. Izifin, also from Nigeria, enables credit access for growing small businesses.
Vzy, a Nigerian startup, has an AI-powered website builder. Senegal’s Lengo AI developed a data-driven operating system for the informal sector. And South Africa’s Avalon Health uses AI to improve doctor-patient relationships and scale digital healthcare.
The selected startups will receive $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, mentoring, tactical advice, and networking opportunities. This support will help them drive greater impact and reach more customers with AI-powered solutions.
Head of Startup Ecosystem Africa Folarin Aiyegbusi said AI represents a major platform shift that Google wants to democratise for scalable innovation. Famasi Africa’s CEO, Adeola Ayoola, noted the program has already accelerated its goal to grow AI healthcare solutions.
Dial Afrika’s CEO, Japheth Dibo, emphasised the support will help them revolutionise customer service and equip African businesses to thrive.
Google has backed African startups since 2017, helping raise $263 million and create 2,800+ jobs. The AI First program aligns with Google’s mission to empower entrepreneurship and local communities through technology.
