While Nigeria remains a titan of African VC – contributing significantly to a digital economy projected to hit $18.3 billion by the end of this year – the metrics for success have fundamentally shifted.

The Data: A Tale of Concentration and Survival

To understand the current stakes, one must look at the 2025 funding data. Last year, Nigeria secured approximately $572 million in total capital.

While the volume suggests stability, the distribution tells a story of extreme selection: just 11 startups captured nearly 83% of all capital inflow.

For mid-stage and early-stage founders, the funding winter is less a chill and more a deep freeze. Equity funding plummeted by 21% recently, as investors swapped speculative bets for businesses with ‘unit economic’ integrity.

In this environment, the ICT sector’s 9% contribution to real GDP isn’t driven by hype, but by essential services: Fintech (holding 47% of all funding), Energy-Tech, and the emerging ‘AI Utility’ pivot.

It is against this backdrop of high-interest rates and capital concentration that The Gathering on 100 – a youth movement – has launched its high-stakes Pitchathon at the National Stadium, Surulere.

The Hustle: ₦45 Million and the 10-Customer Rule

In a market where traditional VC is concentrated at the top, the Pitchathon’s ₦45 million prize pool represents a vital lifeline of non-dilutive capital. However, the organisers are mirroring the market’s new discipline.

The Filter: To even breathe the air on the Pitchathon stage, startups must prove they have survived the first contact with reality.

The ‘10-customer rule – requiring a registered Nigerian entity with at least 10 paying customers or three months of active user data – is a brutal, necessary filter.

It reflects the 2026 mandate: Product-Market Fit (PMF) is the only currency that matters.

The Crucible: 480 Seconds Under the Lights

The 100-hour non-stop event goes beyond lifestyle link-up; it’s a test of technical grit. The competition format is designed to strip away the ‘audacity’ and reveal the architecture:

• The 5-Minute Walkthrough: Founders must perform a live product demo. In an era of ‘AI-washing, showing the code and the interface in real-time is the ultimate truth serum.
• The 3-Minute Grill: Judges aren’t asking about vision; they are digging into Customer Acquisition Costs (CAC) and Lifetime Value (LTV).
• The Crowd Factor: In a nod to community-led growth, the audience holds 25% of the voting power. If you can’t convince the 20-somethings in the stands, you likely can’t scale in the Nigerian retail market.

Beyond Fintech: The Sector-Agnostic Shift

While Fintech remains the ecosystem’s heartbeat, the competition highlights the diversification of the New Nigerian Hustle.

By giving equal billing to AgriTech, HealthTech, IoT, and DefenceTech, the event acknowledges that the next billion-dollar opportunities lie in solving infrastructure gaps, not just digital payments.

As the 100-hour timer counts down in Surulere and registrations continue for the Pitchathon, the competition stands as a microcosm of the entire ecosystem.

It’s a high-pressure demonstration that while the ‘audacity economy’ got them into the stadium, only data, traction, and a working prototype will get them the check.

The event is slated to hold from April 22 to 26 at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. See how to apply here.

The ceremony, held on Friday, November 21, in Lagos, brought together investors, industry leaders, media, and entrepreneurs to celebrate startups enhancing local industries and strengthening Africa’s footprint in global commerce. 

The winners, Dingpay, Aquatrack, and Growwr, were presented with cash prizes ranging from $2,000 to $10,000, alongside access to international suppliers and the infrastructure to scale beyond local markets.

Dingpay, a fintech innovator creating an “offline-first” digital wallet that consolidates bank cards, identity documents, tickets, and payments, claimed the $10,000 grand prize. 

Speaking on the win, co-founder Itohowo Udofia said, “We are honoured to be recognised as the winner of the Verto Award. This prize will enable us to scale faster, strengthen our operations, and unlock new market opportunities. It’s an incredible validation of our work, and we’re excited for what comes next.”

Aquatrack, an agritech startup providing AI-driven farm management tools for fish farmers, and Growwr, a platform enabling businesses to hire, manage, and pay pre-verified African tech talent efficiently, also walked away with commendable support to boost their growth.

The Verto Awards 2025 selection process, rigorous and thorough, involved a panel of distinguished judges assessing each startup’s innovation, scalability, feasibility, and potential market impact. 

The judging panel included Dotun Adekunle, COO/CTO of OPay; Ime Enang, CEO of The Conversationalist Limited; Omotayo Idowu, group head, Commerce & SME of Providus Bank; Soibi Ovia, partner at DAO Law; and Austin Okpagu, country manager, Verto Nigeria.

Ola Oyetayo, Verto’s co-founder and CEO, commented on the initiative: “This inaugural edition of the Verto Award has revealed just how much innovation, resilience, and global ambition exist within Africa’s early-stage startup ecosystem. 

“The calibre of founders we’ve seen this year has been exceptional. As these businesses grow, expand, and strengthen international ties, we remain committed to providing the financial infrastructure that helps turn their global ambitions into reality.”

Since its launch in February 2025, the Verto Award has aimed to spotlight startups with sector-agnostic potential, supporting them both financially and in gaining visibility, as well as granting access to the tools needed for cross-border growth.

The funding is expected to scale up the company’s franchise model, boost food security, and help farmers withstand growing climate pressures.

Agriculture is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, accounting for about 25% of GDP and employing more than 70% of the workforce. However, smallholder farmers, responsible for producing around 70% of the nation’s food, still live below the poverty line, many earning less than $2 daily. 

In northern Nigeria, these challenges are even more severe due to poor soil quality, erratic rainfall, and limited access to modern farming practices.

Babban Gona’s model offers end-to-end support including credit, training, harvest and storage services, as well as market access. In enabling top-performing farmers to run micro-enterprises that distribute inputs and financing to peers, the company has doubled net incomes for many participants compared to the national average. With BII’s backing, Babban Gona aims to reach about 140,000 farmers by 2029.

“Our partnership with Babban Gona is a great example of how BII is using catalytic capital to support innovative, high-impact business models that transform lives and economies,” said Benson Adenuga, BII’s West Africa regional director and head of office for Nigeria. 

“By backing this pioneering franchise model, we are not only addressing a critical financing gap but also helping to build a more resilient and productive agricultural sector and support smallholder farmers in a region that is often overlooked by investors.”

Climate resilience stands at the core of Babban Gona’s approach. The company provides drought-tolerant seeds, climate-smart inputs, and insurance products that shield farmers from extreme weather shocks, essential in a country where floods in 2022 and 2024 destroyed crops and displaced thousands.

Since 2018, Babban Gona has deployed AI tools trained on over two million images to help farmers identify crop diseases with just a smartphone photo. Its offline-enabled mobile apps ensure that even those in remote, low-connectivity areas can benefit. 

The same AI technology is used to support antenatal care for rural women and English literacy programmes for children, expanding its impact beyond agriculture.

Kola Masha, Babban Gona’s managing director, noted how early adoption of AI shaped the company’s global standing. “Our early work in AI enabled us to build very strong relationships in the space,” he said. “We were one of 12 organisations around the world brought into a small monastery in Lake Como with the likes of Nvidia, OpenAI, and Google to think about the role of AI for global development.”

Beyond farming, Babban Gona is experimenting with sustainable transport solutions in rural areas, including two-wheeler e-bikes and charging stations, an initiative Masha describes as building “the equivalent of a Tesla for northern Nigeria.”

BII’s latest investment is a medium to back African agribusiness, following recent commitments to companies like AgDevCo and Johnvents. 

For northern Nigeria’s farmers, however, the impact could be more immediate, with access to finance, tools to survive climate shocks, and a chance to earn a dignified income.

• Technological Advancement as a Catalyst: The impact of technology, especially AI and digital platforms, is shaping the future of agriculture on the continent.
• Emerging Business Models: The paper discusses the need for innovative models and management strategies in the industry. 
• Case Studies of Success: The report features inspiring case studies from various African nations, showcasing innovative Agritech solutions

DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), in collaboration with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) Centre for African Management and Markets (CAMM), has unveiled a white paper that highlights the trends shaping the agricultural landscape in Africa.

This research emphasises the critical role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), in enhancing agricultural productivity and reducing poverty across the continent.

The African Agritech: The State of Play and Potential for Prosperity report reveals that improvements in agricultural productivity have a disproportionately positive effect on poverty alleviation in developing nations.

A 1% increase in agricultural total factor productivity (TFP) correlates with a 1% decline in the population living in extreme poverty, highlighting agriculture’s potential as a powerful tool for economic development.

As Africa’s population continues to grow, the agricultural sector stands at a crossroads, facing both challenges and unprecedented opportunities. The industry is vital for sustainable development and economic growth in Africa.

Agriculture has long been a cornerstone of the continent’s economy, accounting for approximately 15% of output, which is significantly higher than the global average of 5%, according to a 2022 publication, ‘Agricultural technology in Africa. Journal of Economic Perspectives’.

For Africa to thrive, its agricultural sector must be optimally used to drive growth, especially given the rapid population increase projected for the region.

The paper highlights the need for the industry to consider innovative models and management strategies. Innovation and technology are crucial for enhancing agricultural output and efficiency, which can lead to improved economic conditions across the continent.

“This paper highlights our commitment to supporting sustainable growth and innovation in the agricultural sector, particularly on the African continent. DHL’s purpose revolves around connecting people and improving lives – as the world’s largest logistics company, it is our responsibility to lead the way and guide the logistics industry into a sustainable future and ultimately ensure that we make a positive difference in the communities in which we operate. Through this paper, we hope to provide a glimpse of what lies ahead for the industry and demonstrate our commitment to sustainable economic growth,” said Hennie Heymans, DHL Express SSA CEO.

“We knew agritech was a powerful driver of prosperity, but we were impressed with what we unearthed during the research. Tech is being used in amazing ways to improve everything from soil management and crop spraying to transportation and fire detection,” said Ian Macleod, a member of the CAMM research team.

DHL Agri-Express – a solution for Agri SMEs in SSA

DHL Express SSA recently launched a new DHL Agri-Express solution, a time-definite express packaging solution developed to support Agricultural SMEs in Sub-Saharan Africa with the shipping of avocados.

This innovative and sustainable solution eliminates the need for active cold chain shipping by employing cutting-edge alternative technology.

Specifically designed for small sample shipments of 6 to 50 avocados, this packaging solution enables customers to leverage the DHL Express network to send samples to buyers in international markets with ease and speed.

The NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme is a gateway to leveraging space technology for real-world change.

The organisers aim to empower startups leveraging satellite technology to address everyday challenges across various sectors, including but not limited to spacetech, agritech, fintech, edtech, healthtech, and cybersecurity.

“If you’re a bold innovator aged 18 or above, ready to solve critical challenges in Nigeria using space technology, then this programme is for you. We’re here to mentor and support you on your journey to success in the space sector”, said NIGCOMSAT.

Why Join the NIGCOMSAT Accelerator Programme?

• Expert Mentorship: Learn from industry leaders like Google and AWS who will guide you every step of the way.
• Global Exposure: Access opportunities to showcase your startup on the global stage.
• Networking: Connect with investors, space-tech experts, and like-minded entrepreneurs.
• Funding Opportunities: Compete for funding to scale your innovative solutions.

Who Can Apply?

The organisers are looking for early-stage startups passionate about transforming challenges into creative solutions using space technology.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be 18 years or older
• Must be a registered Nigerian Startup
• Must have a Minimum Viable Product
• Your solution must incorporate Space-Based Technology alongside other innovations

“But beyond these, there’s a space where unicorns, those billion-dollar minds of the business world, are no longer imaginary but tangible outcomes of Africa’s entrepreneurial determination.”

Tech unicorns are the new celebrities, and Africa is no longer in the shadows but birthing top global startups. From Lagos to Nairobi, Cairo to Cape Town, entrepreneurs are tackling local and global challenges with scalable, tech-driven solutions.

Investors are finding their new billion-dollar obsession on the continent, but really, “Who knew the next Silicon Valley would be in Africa?”

In the past few years, we’ve seen companies like Flutterwave, Chipper Cash, and Jumia, which have achieved unicorn status and also created ways for others. 

Entrepreneurs like Olugbenga Agboola of Flutterwave have attributed their success to understanding local challenges and translating them into global solutions. Agboola shared during an interview: “I personally believe in just doubling down and getting the work done which is why I’ve been busy building the infrastructure, the technology.” 

These companies are solving problems for Africa; and creating models that can work anywhere in the world. The focus is on scalability. 

According to data from Partech, African tech startups raised over $3.5 billion in 2023. As of September 2024, these startups had already crossed the $2.1 billion mark, according to Weetracker—an increase compared to $1.7 billion in funding for the same period in 2023. Though 2024 started slow, the pick-up was commendable.

One of the outstanding deals of the year was Moniepoint’s $110 million Series C funding round in October 2024. This raise, led by Development Partners International, with participation from Google’s Africa Investment Fund, Verod Capital, and Lightrock, made up 43% of the total $250 million raised by African startups in just one month.

The capital boosted the startup funding sector in Africa and also asserted the strength of the growing fintech sector on the continent.

Globally, unicorn startups typically come from a mix of sectors, youthful populations, and market demands. Africa has all three in abundance. 

The continent has the youngest population in the world, with a median age of just 19.6 years, and is home to over 1000 active tech hubs. Combined with a rapidly expanding digital economy—projected to reach $712 billion by 2050—Africa’s startup sector is a bubbling cauldron of opportunity.

Sectors on the Go for Unicorn Growth in 2025

While fintech has topped the African startup sector, 2025 looks to be a year with more diversified unicorn companies. These industries will be driven by innovative solutions and increased investment.

1. Fintech: The Reigning King
   Fintech remains Africa’s most funded sector, accounting for over 40% of venture capital inflows. With an unbanked population estimated at 57%, digital payment solutions, credit access, and blockchain innovations have huge prospects. Startups like Yellow Card and Paystack are leading advancements in decentralised finance and SME lending. Africa’s mobile money market, according to McKinsey, is expected to reach $40 billion by 2025, thanks to the increasing smartphone penetration. Mobile money solutions like M-Pesa and Chipper Cash are bolstering financial access, and the fintech ecosystem is not showing any signs of slowing down.

1. Climate Tech and Renewable Energy
   Africa’s energy challenges—over 600 million people lacking electricity—have led startups to innovate with renewable solutions. Companies such as Kenya’s BasiGo, which focuses on electric buses, and solar startups like M-KOPA and d.light are enhancing access to energy and enhancing sustainability. Investments in the sector are projected to hit $44 trillion by 2030, with $35 trillion allocated to transition technologies such as efficiency, electrification, grid expansion, and flexibility, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
2. HealthTech: Building Resilient Healthcare Systems
   The pandemic uncovered gaps in healthcare systems, but also stimulated innovation. Startups are leveraging telemedicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and affordable healthcare solutions. Helium Health is digitising patient records, while mPharma is tackling medication accessibility. The healthcare market is projected to grow to $259 billion by 2030, with startups addressing challenges through technology.
3. AgriTech: Feeding a Billion People
   Agriculture employs over 60% of Africa’s population but faces inefficiencies along the value chain. Companies like Kenya’s Twiga Foods are connecting farmers to markets using technology, reducing waste and increasing profits. The agritech market is expected to grow 12.2% annually, reaching $26.27 billion by 2025.
4. EdTech: The Future of Learning
   With a young population and increasing internet penetration (currently at 43%), edtech is a natural growth area. Startups like Nigeria’s uLesson are delivering affordable, high-quality education to millions. Africa’s edtech sector is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 16.3% through 2025.
5. Logistics and E-Commerce: The Amazon of Africa?
   Fragmented logistics have historically limited e-commerce, but startups like Sendy and Jumia are bridging the gap with efficient delivery systems. Africa’s e-commerce market is expected to reach $56 billion by 2029, driven by improved infrastructure and increasing trust in online shopping.

The Growth Drivers

Several factors will influence the rise of African unicorns:

• Investment Trends: More diversified funding, with international venture capitalists and local investors betting on startups. Cities like Ibadan, Kigali, and Alexandria are emerging as investment hotspots.
• Infrastructure Improvements: Expanding 5G networks and cheaper smartphones are driving connectivity.
• Talent Pool: Africa contributes 10% of the world’s tech talent, with Nigeria and Kenya leading in developer resources.

Challenges to Overcome

The challenges cannot be ignored and African startups are sometimes hit hard by these. Funding gaps, regulatory complexities, and infrastructure deficits are some of the issues that limit growth, with over 75% of startups failing within their first five years.

Geopolitical instability in certain regions causes risks for both startups and investors. Added to this, the lack of mature exit strategies, such as IPOs, has raised questions about long-term returns for VCs. 

Again, Africa’s brain drain phenomenon—where top talent migrates abroad—is a big issue. Addressing these challenges will require innovative public-private partnerships.

Predictions for 2025

By 2025, Africa is projected to double its unicorn count, hosting at least 10 billion-dollar companies. Startups like Egypt’s MNT-Halan (fintech), Kenya’s Wasoko (retail supply chain), and Nigeria’s Moove (vehicle financing) are likely prospects.

Emerging hubs like Kigali and Accra are joining established centres such as Lagos (Yabacon Valley), Nairobi (Silicon Savannah), and Cape Town. These hubs are promoting innovation and creating a favourable environment for Africa’s next unicorns.

While cities like Lagos, Nairobi, and Cairo are usually in the spotlight, emerging hubs like Kigali and Alexandria are proving their mettle. For instance, startups in Rwanda are benefiting from government-backed innovation programs, like the Kigali Innovation City project, which provides incentives for tech companies. Alexandria, Egypt, is also promoting a growing community of entrepreneurs through its proximity to top universities and access to global markets via the Mediterranean.

Flutterwave, Africa’s highest-valued fintech, became one of the unicorns through a combination of strategic partnerships and relentless focus on market scalability. Its partnership with global payment platforms like Visa and Mastercard enabled seamless cross-border transactions, while its early focus on SME solutions gave it a strong foothold in untapped markets. 

The company’s $250 million Series D round in 2022 and its subsequent expansions into Latin America and Asia showed how African startups can become global competitors.

For Africa’s unicorns to thrive, stakeholders must play their part. Governments need to create clear and consistent policies to support innovation, investors must take risks beyond the usual hubs, and entrepreneurs must focus on sustainable growth rather than quick exits. 

“The future of Africa’s innovation is in the hands of those willing to stay the course—because unicorns aren’t built overnight.”

With the investment, YoLa Fresh aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural operations by leveraging advanced technology.

Leading the funding round was Al Mada Ventures, supported by other investors including Algebra Ventures, E3 Capital, Janngo Capital, and the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO). These investors recognize the huge prospects of YoLa Fresh to address growing challenges in the agricultural sector.

Co-founded by Larbi Alaoui Belghiti and Youssef Mamou, YoLa Fresh directly connects smallholder farmers with traditional retailers of fruits and vegetables. Through the elimination of intermediaries, the platform enables retailers to purchase produce at lower costs while ensuring farmers receive higher profits quickly. 

This direct connection also helps synchronize supply and demand, reducing food waste and improving overall efficiency.

YoLa Fresh’s platform employs data analytics, machine learning, and AI to create predictive algorithms for demand and supply, pricing dynamics, and other variables in the highly perishable produce supply chain. The technology simplifies the supply chain and also offers visibility into harvests and access to financing for farmers.

Larbi Alaoui Belghiti, with a background in leading tech ventures such as Jumia Express Logistics and Avito.ma, brings a wealth of experience to YoLa Fresh. Youssef Mamou, former CEO of Careem North Africa and managing partner at 212 Founders, complements this with his expertise in tech-driven business solutions.

Within its first year, YoLa Fresh has established partnerships with over 1,000 retailers in Morocco and achieved a monthly gross merchandise volume (GMV) of up to $1 million. The company’s rapid growth and the proven effectiveness of its solutions have drawn investor interest.

The investment will be used to expand YoLa Fresh’s operations within Morocco and into other African markets. The company focuses on ensuring high-quality produce, reducing wastage, and providing financing opportunities for farmers. 

Its cash offering on delivery and working closely with farmers enables YoLa Fresh to capture more market share and improve unit economics.

YoLa Fresh also plans to leverage this funding to enhance its technology, expand its customer base, and prepare for broader market penetration. The startup projects an annualized top line of $40 million to $50 million by 2026, with plans to expand into sub-Saharan Africa, where competition includes companies like Vendease and Complete Farmer.

Omar Laalej, managing director at Al Mada Ventures, is confident in YoLa Fresh’s ability to deliver huge benefits to its customers in Morocco and across Africa. 

Tarek Assaad, managing partner at Algebra Ventures, noted the positive impact of tech solutions in the agricultural sector and YoLa Fresh’s unique position to lead this change.

Forget grocery drudgery. Imagine vibrant shelves overflowing with fresh produce, thanks to a digital revolution on the farm.

Agritech tackles food waste, not directly on store shelves, but throughout the food journey.

Globally, food waste is a staggering 1.6 billion tons, with a significant portion lost in supply chains. In Nigeria alone, 14 million tons are wasted annually.

Here are 6 ways Agritech can offer a solution.

Precision Farming: Gone are the days of guesswork. Sensors and data analysis nowadays provide real-time insights, allowing farmers to optimise resource use and boost yields. Imagine perfectly nurtured fruits and vegetables!

Additionally, agritech can analyse consumer demand and weather patterns to optimise harvests, reducing surplus that spoils before reaching stores.

Fresher, Faster Deliveries: The farm-to-store journey can be improved on so it is no longer slow and wasteful.

Advancements in logistics, storage, and distribution ensure food arrives fresher and faster. Cold chain improvements and optimised routes mean fruits and vegetables retain nutrients and flavour all the way to the grocery aisle.

Agritech can also play a role here by using sensors to monitor storage conditions and track shipments, minimising spoilage during transport.

Beyond Efficiency: Agritech isn’t just about optimising existing food systems. It can also be used in driving innovation. From plant-based alternatives to lab-grown meat, agritech across the world is pushing the boundaries of what we consider “food,” offering consumers a wider variety of healthy and sustainable choices.

Connecting the Dots: Traditionally, a complex web of middlemen stands between farms and supermarkets. This lengthens the supply chain, impacting both freshness and price. Agritech platforms disrupt this model by establishing a direct link between producers and retailers.

Imagine farmers uploading their harvest information, including type, quantity, and quality, directly onto an Agritech platform. Supermarkets can then browse these offerings and place orders efficiently. This streamlined process eliminates unnecessary intermediaries, reducing costs and expediting delivery.

Extending Shelf Life: Research focuses on developing technologies like special packaging or coatings to slow down spoilage and extend the shelf life of perishables.

These coatings might act as a second skin, regulating moisture loss and respiration rates, or even contain natural antimicrobials to fight off spoilage-causing bacteria.

This not only reduces food waste but also keeps our grocery aisles stocked with fresher produce for longer.

Reducing Waste, Fighting Hunger: Agritech can connect supermarkets with organisations that collect surplus food nearing expiry. This food can be redistributed to communities or food banks, reducing waste and hunger.

Agritech’s digital revolution is transforming food production, impacting what ends up on our shelves, paving the way for a future with less waste and more abundance.

[Featured Image Credit]

Charles Ballard, a brilliant figure in the e-commerce sector, brings a wealth of experience in retail, and financial services to his new role.

He joins Twiga Foods from Jumia Kenya, where he most recently served as CEO, with extensive experience in the organization. He held leadership positions such as Senior Vice President-Commercial, Chief Operating Officer, and Head of Performance & Planning.

Before joining Jumia, Charles worked as a consultant at Sagaci Research, contributing to retail and e-commerce projects across more than 15 African countries. 

He also served as Deputy CFO at ACTED, a humanitarian NGO operating in 40 developing countries worldwide. Charles began his career in Merger & Acquisitions, gaining valuable experience in Paris and Hong Kong.

Interestingly, he holds a Master’s degree from the ESSEC Business School in France and also earned a BSc in International Development from the London School of Economics (UoL/LSE) in the UK.

With Charles Ballard joining Twiga Foods, the company aims for continued growth and innovation in the food distribution industry. His diverse background and apt vision make him a highly valuable addition to the company’s leadership team.

Ballard’s appointment comes at a time when Twiga Foods targets bolstering Kenya’s agricultural sector. His expertise in e-commerce and his deep understanding of African markets will be leveraged in driving the company’s future success.

This cohort will have a strong focus on startups leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to address critical challenges and unlock new opportunities across the continent.

Startups are the lifeblood of innovation, driving economic growth, creating jobs, and solving some of society’s most pressing challenges.

In Africa, digital transformation is accelerating rapidly and startups play a vital role in shaping the continent’s future from fintech and agritech to healthcare and education.

The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa is a three-month, equity-free virtual program that provides African startups with mentorship, technical resources, and access to a global network of experts and investors.

Since its inception in 2018, the program has supported 106 startups from 17 African countries, and have collectively raised over $263 million and created more than 2,800 direct jobs.

“We’re excited to support the next generation of African AI pioneers through the Google for Startups Accelerator, providing them with the resources and mentorship they need to build successful, impactful businesses” said Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of Startups Ecosystem, Africa at Google. “Africa’s tech ecosystem is a hotbed of innovation, and AI has the potential to be a transformative force across various sectors.”

The Class 8 program will run from June to September 2024 and will include:

• Equity-free support: Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits.
• Mentorship: Personalised guidance from Google AI experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.
• Technical workshops: In-depth training on AI/ML development, product strategy, and scaling.
• Global network: Connections to potential investors, partners, and customers.
• Community: A supportive network of fellow founders facing similar challenges and opportunities.

How to apply

Applications are open from April 29 to May 20, 2024, and can be submitted online at g.co/AcceleratorAfrica.

Eligible startups must be based in Africa or building Africa-centric solutions and should be utilising AI/ML in a transformative way.