Google has announced the selection of 11 African startups for its inaugural ‘Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First’ program.
These startups, chosen from a competitive pool of candidates, are utilizing cutting-edge Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to tackle challenges not only in Africa but also on a global scale.
The potential of AI to drive transformation in Africa is underscored by a McKinsey report, which predicts that AI could contribute $1.3 trillion to Africa’s GDP by 2030.
The selected startups will embark on a 10-week accelerator journey, benefitting from Google’s AI expertise, along with a $350,000 allocation in Google Cloud Credits.
Additionally, they will have access to mentorship sessions, technical guidance, and networking opportunities to expand their influence and impact.
The selected startups include:
- Avalon Health (South Africa): Enhancing online healthcare access for patients and providing digital tools to improve care for doctors.
- Chatbots Africa (Ghana): Leading the transition of SMEs into the Social Commerce era through AI-driven online storefronts.
- Dial Afrika Inc (Kenya): Customizing customer support tools for global businesses, with a focus on African SMBs.
- Famasi Africa (Nigeria): Developing the operating system for pharmacies in emerging markets.
- Fastagger Inc (Kenya): Using AI to boost sales and loyalty, supporting the growth of MSMEs.
- Garri Logistics (Ethiopia): Digitizing freight brokerage and transport services.
- Izifin (Nigeria): Providing an end-to-end credit infrastructure via API for small businesses.
- Lengo AI (Senegal): Launching the first Data-Driven OS for the Informal Sector.
- Logistify AI (Uganda): Minimizing inventory losses in industrial facilities.
- Telliscope (Ethiopia): Offering an AI-enabled business intelligence platform.
- Vzy (Nigeria): Revolutionizing website building with AI-driven tools that create sites within minutes.
Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa, at Google, said that: “At Google we’ve been working on AI for over a decade, and we’ve shown how useful AI is in our products and for developers externally. AI is not only a powerful enabler, it’s also a major platform shift. That’s why we’re focused on making it easy and scalable for others to innovate with AI. Our chosen startups for the ‘AI First’ program embody this vision, leveraging AI in pioneering ways to address both local and global challenges. We’re here excited to support and amplify their impact.”
Speaking on the selection: Adeola Ayoola, CEO/Co-founder of Famasi Africa (Nigeria): “Famasi Africa is scaling AI-powered digital health solutions to reach more underserved communities. . Joining the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program represents a significant step towards realising that dream. With Google’s mentorship, we’re confident of scaling our solutions, reaching more pharmacies, and ultimately improving healthcare outcomes.”
- Avalon Health (South Africa): “”Avalon Health is scaling AI-powered digital healthcare solutions to reach every South African.With the support and mentorship from the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program, we believe we can scale our solutions even further, ensuring every South African has access to top-tier healthcare services.”
- Japheth Dibo, CEO & Co-Founder of Dial Afrika (Kenya): “Dial Afrika is revolutionising customer support in Africa with cutting-edge AI-powered solutions.Being selected for the Google for Startups Accelerator: AI First program will allow us to leverage advanced AI technology to make this vision a reality. With this support and mentorship, we aim to revolutionise customer support and equip businesses across the African continent with the tools to thrive and excel.”
Since 2017, Google has been actively supporting African startups through various programs.
Collectively, these startups have raised $263 million and generated over 2,800 job opportunities, demonstrating the growing impact of technology entrepreneurship in Africa.
