Google has opened applications for its 2025 Accelerator Africa program, inviting African startups building AI-first solutions to apply for its three-month support initiative.
The application call, which was announced on Wednesday, April 17, 2025, as part of Google’s efforts to empower African startups solving the continent’s biggest challenges with artificial intelligence.
According to the company, the program is designed for Seed to Series A startups that have a live product, at least one founder of African descent, and a clear vision for responsible AI innovation.
Program benefits
- Startups selected for the 2025 cohort will benefit from several support services, including:
- Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits
- Technical mentorship from Google engineers and industry experts
- Workshops on product development, leadership, and responsible AI implementation
- Access to Google’s global network of investors, partners, and collaborators
Applications for the 2025 cohort are now open. Interested startups can apply via the official program page
Google believes AI can be a key driver of inclusive development in Africa, citing data from McKinsey that shows AI could contribute $1.3 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030.
Google’s Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google emphasized the importance of equipping African startups with the right tools to maximize their impact.
“Startups are Africa’s problem solvers. With the right resources, they can scale their impact far beyond local communities.
“This program reflects our belief that AI can be transformative when shaped by those who understand the context deeply.” said Aiyegbusi
Google Accelerator Africa program impacts
Since its launch in 2018, the Accelerator has supported 140 startups across 17 African countries, helping them raise over $300 million in funding and creating more than 3,000 jobs. Many alumni now serve as regional and global leaders in their sectors.
One of the program's past participants, West Africa-based agritech startup Crop2Cash, is applying AI to onboard smallholder farmers digitally, create financial records, and connect them to credit, traceable payments, and productivity tools.
The solution aims to improve farming outcomes while addressing financial exclusion in rural communities.
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