funding•Deadline: 2 October 2026

Google for Startups Accelerator Africa

Google for Startups Accelerator Africa helps AI startups across the continent grow with mentorship from Google engineers, equity-free funding, and Google Cloud credits worth up to $200,000.

Sponsor: Google

Location: Pan-African (Remote + In-person)

Application

Navigate to the primary sponsor application portal to review requirements and submit materials.

Apply Now

Program Description

Google for Startups Accelerator Africa is one of the most popular programmes for AI-focused startups on the continent. The programme is free to join and does not take any equity from participating companies. This makes it attractive for early-stage founders who want to keep full ownership of their businesses.

### What You Get

The accelerator runs for three months. During this time, selected startups receive one-on-one mentorship from senior Google engineers and product managers. Each startup also gets up to $200,000 in Google Cloud credits to build and scale their AI products. Google provides technical training on machine learning, product design, and business growth strategies.

### Who Should Apply

The programme is open to technology startups based in any African country. Your startup must use AI, machine learning, or data science as a core part of your product. Companies should be at the seed or Series A stage with a working product and some existing users.

### How to Apply

Applications open on the Google for Startups website twice a year. You need to submit a short application form explaining your product, your team, and how you plan to use AI to solve a specific problem for African users.

### Past Participants

Previous cohorts have included startups from South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, and Egypt working on healthcare diagnostics, fintech lending, agricultural advisory, and language technology. Many graduates have gone on to raise significant venture capital funding after completing the programme.

Visit [startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/africa](https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/africa/) to learn more and apply.

Eligibility Guidelines

Applicants must be citizens of an African country, or currently registered in an accredited African tertiary academic institution.
Demonstrable interest or active project development in artificial intelligence, machine learning, or computer science.
Submission of active academic transcripts, CV, and a personal statement outlining project impacts.