Nigeria: Kenya and Nigeria Take the Lead in Google Accelerator Program

1 August 2024
Business Day Africa (Nairobi)
By Lynet Igadwah

Kenya and Nigeria have dominated the list of 10 innovative startups selected from across the continent for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program.

The 10 startups picked from 1,000 applicants, will comprise the eighth cohort of the program which also features participants drawn from Rwanda and South Africa.

Out of the 10, five are Nigerian, three are Kenyan while Rwanda and South Africa produced one startup each.

"These startups represent the future of Africa innovation, harnessing the power of technology to solve real-world problems and uplift their communities," said Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startups Programs for Google Africa.

Typically, startups seek to address local challenges with their tailored solutions, creating jobs in the process, driving the economy and enhancing the quality of life for the community.

This year's cohort places strong emphasis on artificial intelligence, highlighting the growing importance of advanced technologies in addressing Africa's pressing challenges.

Cohort 8 startups are set for a two-month structured program -July 29 to September 20 2024- to support their growth where they will receive direct access to Google mentors and seasoned entrepreneurs.

They will engage in in technical workshops to refine their products, hone their business strategies and strengthen their business skills.

Since its inception in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries.

The stratus have collectively raised over $263 million and created more than 2,800 direct jobs highlighting the program's impact on the continent's tech landscape.

Meet the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Cohort 8:

  • CDIAL AI (Nigeria): Transforming multilingual communication across Africa with the power of artificial and collective intelligence.
  • Earthbond (Nigeria): Lighting up homes and businesses across Africa with affordable, reliable energy solutions, bolstered by carbon accounting and development finance.
  • Fixxr (South Africa): Putting car owners and businesses in the driver's seat with transparent and convenient on-location vehicle maintenance and repair services.
  • Lifesten Health (Rwanda): Innovating health and wellness through cutting-edge screening and incentive-based programs focused on physical, mental, and nutritional health.
  • MyAIFactchecker (Nigeria): Equipping users with an AI-powered tool to combat misinformation and promote informed decision-making through fact-checking.
  • Nakili (Kenya): Bringing salons, barbershops, and spas into the digital age with a mobile-based app for streamlined management and enhanced customer experiences.
  • NextCounsel (Nigeria): Supercharging lawyer productivity with an AI-powered tool for contract management, solicitor engagement, compliance, and more.
  • Nobuk Africa (Kenya): Simplifying financial management for groups and collectives across Africa with a seamless platform for collecting funds, reconciling payments, and generating reports

Read the original article on Business Day Africa.

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