This seven-week online program equips aspiring and existing entrepreneurs with the skills and knowledge needed to build successful businesses in Africa.

The program kicks off on May 23, 2024, and applications close on May 14. It targets startup founders, aspiring entrepreneurs, startup employees, and corporate innovators seeking to launch ventures within Africa.

Developed by experienced African founders and venture capitalists, the fellowship promises an immersive learning experience beyond traditional entrepreneurship education.

Participants will receive hands-on training, live learning sessions, and gain insights from real-world case studies, all designed to address the unique challenges and opportunities of the African startup landscape.

The curriculum covers essential aspects of building a startup, including idea validation, minimum viable product creation, navigating legal and financial hurdles, and fundraising strategies.

The program boasts renowned instructors like Iyinoluwa E. Aboyeji, Co-founder of Andela, Flutterwave, and Future Africa, and Mia Koschitzky-Kimani, Managing Partner at Future Africa and Co-founder of DukaConnect.

Upon completion, graduates join the Young African Catalyst network, a community of over 200 African founders and VCs, offering ongoing support and potential partnerships.

“We’re thrilled to empower the next generation of African startups,” said Karl Nchite, Co-founder and CEO of CatalyzU. “Africa’s entrepreneurial scene is vibrant and rapidly growing.

By providing practical experiences and access to industry leaders, we equip entrepreneurs to turn innovative ideas into thriving businesses.”

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until spots are filled. This initiative follows CatalyzU’s rebranding in July 2023 and its acceptance into Techstars Toronto alongside other startups from Canada and emerging markets.

This year’s program prioritizes startups leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to tackle challenges and unlock opportunities across the continent.

The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa is a virtual program spanning three months.

It equips African startups with mentorship, technical resources, and access to a global network of experts and investors.

Since its launch in 2018, the program has empowered 106 startups from 17 African countries, collectively raising over $263 million and creating more than 2,800 jobs.

“We’re excited to support the next generation of African AI pioneers,” said Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startups Ecosystem, Africa at Google.

“Through the Google for Startups Accelerator, we’ll provide them with the resources and mentorship needed to build impactful businesses that thrive.”

Aiyegbusi emphasized Africa’s booming tech scene and AI’s potential to transform various sectors.

Running from June to September 2024, the Class 8 program offers benefits including:

• Up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits
• Personalized guidance from Google AI experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and industry leaders
• In-depth training on AI/ML development, product strategy, and scaling
• Connections to potential investors, partners, and customers
• Supportive network of fellow founders facing similar challenges and opportunities

Applications are open until May 20, 2024, and can be submitted online at https://startup.google.com/programs/accelerator/africa/.

Eligible startups should be based in Africa or develop Africa-centric solutions, with a transformative approach to AI/ML.