This milestone edition marks nearly a decade of support for the African tech ecosystem and reinforces Google’s commitment to accelerating AI-driven scientific and technological breakthroughs across the continent.

The 12-week “AI First” hybrid program is designed for Series A startups based in Africa or building Africa-centric solutions with AI and machine learning.

Participants will benefit from access to Google’s AI expertise and technical resources, alongside mentorship from seasoned AI professionals and invaluable networking opportunities.

“Africa’s tech landscape is seeing a vibrant shift toward deep-tech innovation,” said Folarin Aiyegbusi, head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa. “For Class 10, we are focusing on the potential of AI to drive health and societal benefits, providing the infrastructure and expertise to turn these startups into the research labs of the continent.”

Since its inception in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa program has supported 180+ startups from 17 African countries.

Collectively, these startups have raised over $350 million in funding and created more than 3,700 direct job opportunities in the region.

Applications are open from today until March 18, 2026. Startups are invited to apply here.

Key program information:

• Applications Open: February 5, 2026
• Application Deadline: March 18, 2026
• Program Start: April 2026
• Program length: 12 weeks (hybrid)

The initiatives include the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Women Founders Cohort, the Hustle Academy for Women-Led SMEs, and a social media series celebrating inspiring women in Africa’s technology sector.

Folarin Aiayegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa, said, “We are thrilled to announce the selected startups for the inaugural class of our Google for Startups Accelerator Africa: Women Founders Cohort. These women are tackling some of Africa’s most pressing challenges, and we’re excited to support them as they build the future.” The 15 startups selected for the program are from eight African countries and are creating innovative solutions that improve livelihoods in their communities.

Google’s Hustle Academy is a bootcamp-style training program designed to help entrepreneurs increase revenue, position themselves for investment, and build sustainable businesses for the future.

As part of its International Women’s Day celebrations, Google plans to host six women-focused cohorts of the Hustle Academy program in Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa throughout the month of March. Women entrepreneurs in these countries are invited to apply to join these cohorts at the website.

Finally, Google is celebrating inspiring women in Africa’s technology sector through its #WomeninIT social media series. The series features the stories of six inspiring women who are breaking barriers and making an impact in the fields of technology, business, entrepreneurship, innovation, and startups on the continent.

According to Dorothy Ooko, Head of Communications, Google Africa, “At Google, we are committed to providing women entrepreneurs in Africa with access to funding, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Through our programs, we aim to bridge the gap and empower women to succeed in their respective fields.”

The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Women Founders Cohort (in alphabetical order)

1. Afriwell Health (Congo) 

2. Alajo App (Nigeria)

3. eWaka (Kenya)

4. Farmer Lifeline (Kenya)

5. Maxibuy (Nigeria)

6. MosMos (Kenya)

7. Gobeba (Kenya)

8. Hepta Pay (Rwanda)

9. Jem HR (South Africa)

10. Kola Market (Ghana)

11. Mipango (Tanzania)

12. Smart Ikigega (Rwanda)

13. Suitch (Cameroon)

14. Tyms Africa (Nigeria)

15. Zydii (Kenya)