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.

This critical infrastructure will enhance internet connectivity between Africa, the Indian Ocean islands, and Asia.

Discussions are underway with potential partners, including Indian telecom giant Reliance Jio Infocomm Ltd. and French multinational Orange SA (Groupe Orange).

T4 is designed to replace the existing South Africa Far East (SAFE) cable upon its expiry in 2027.

The new cable boasts a significant upgrade, offering a staggering 1,000 times the capacity of its predecessor, according to Mauritius Telecom CEO Kapil Reesaul.

“Recent cable disruptions highlight the need for a more robust connection to the Far East,” Reesaul explained. “T4 will directly link Mauritius to India and Singapore, ensuring greater redundancy and improved internet stability.”

The project is motivated by a series of recent outages, with Mauritius experiencing a technical glitch on April 26th, adding to disruptions caused by damaged undersea cables near Ivory Coast (March 2024) and Yemen (since February 2024).

The new cable is expected to follow a similar route as the SAFE cable, stretching approximately 13,500 kilometers from South Africa to Singapore, with stops in Madagascar, La Reunion, and Mauritius.

This initiative builds upon Mauritius Telecom’s recent investments in network infrastructure. In 2023, the company invested $60 million in the T3 cable connecting Mauritius to South Africa.

Additionally, the island nation leverages the existing LION/LION2-EASSy-EIG cable for connections on the northern route.

Reesaul anticipates increased data traffic flowing through India and Singapore in the future, potentially exceeding the capacity of existing backup systems. T4 aims to mitigate this risk and ensure continued reliable connectivity.

Talks are ongoing with potential partners for the T4 consortium, including Telkom SA, Telekom Malaysia Bhd, Cable & Wireless Ltd. of the Seychelles, and China Telecom Corp.

These buses mark the beginning of a pilot project aimed at electrifying Kigali’s public transportation system at a significantly lower cost than previously anticipated.

Kigali’s population has surged by 50% since 2013, while the number of operational buses has dwindled.

This decline is primarily attributed to rising diesel costs and capped fares, often requiring buses to be 80% full just to break even.

Shrinking bus fleets have led to long wait times for commuters, impacting their daily lives and productivity.

Additionally, vehicle emissions contribute 13% of Rwanda’s greenhouse gases, necessitating a swift transition to cleaner transportation options.

The Rwandan government has actively promoted public transport electrification through various policies.

However, Public Transport Operators (PTOs) have been hesitant to invest in electric buses due to the high initial cost, uncertain resale value, and lack of local maintenance facilities.

IZI Rwanda’s innovative e-mobility-as-a-service model addresses these concerns and offers a smooth path for PTOs of all sizes to electrify their fleets.

Under this model, bus operators pay a low per-kilometer fee and gain access to IZI’s “Pay As You Go” service, including a fully electric vehicle, charging infrastructure, comprehensive vehicle maintenance, and driver training.

This eliminates upfront costs for operators, allowing them to achieve an average operational cost saving of 40%, boosting profitability and enabling them to serve the growing urban population.

A proprietary platform developed by IZI plays a crucial role in their cost-effective solution. It significantly extends the lifespan of electric vehicle batteries, thereby reducing overall vehicle costs.

The IZI Connect fleet management system, already managing over 9,000 vehicles in China, monitors battery health and facilitates predictive maintenance. This is further supported by a Battery Laboratory capable of on-site battery cell repair and replacement.

This state-of-the-art Battery Laboratory, the first of its kind in Africa, will not only service IZI’s fleet but also offer battery analysis, repair, and maintenance services to other electric vehicle users in Rwanda.

Strategically located in Kigali, the lab is expected to create specialized jobs and accelerate the adoption and growth of electric vehicles across Rwanda and East Africa.

“We believe IZI’s service model has the potential to significantly improve our business profitability and fuel our expansion,” stated Charles Ngarambe, CEO of Kigali Bus Services.

IZI Rwanda has received orders for over 200 electric buses to be deployed in Rwanda throughout 2024.

This program targets Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) and ventures in Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, and Tanzania.

Village Capital, with a long history of supporting entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa (over 14 accelerator programs since 2012), will bring its expertise to the table. Norad, a champion of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), will contribute its global partnership experience.

Empowering Sustainable Entrepreneurship Africa takes a two-pronged approach.

First, it will equip ESOs, often the backbone of local entrepreneurial communities, with the technical skills and resources they need to thrive.

Second, it will directly support climate-focused startups in the target countries, fostering a pipeline of high-growth ventures tackling critical areas like renewable energy, food security, and climate adaptation solutions.

“ESOs are essential,” said Rachel Crawford, leading special projects at Village Capital. “They provide crucial support to entrepreneurs, acting as trainers and connectors to vital networks like investors and talent.”

“But these ESOs often face similar challenges to the startups they help. Village Capital’s unique program design addresses this by combining ecosystem development, venture support, and access to capital,” Crawford added.

Per Fredrik Ilsaas Pharo, Norad’s director of climate and environment, echoed the program’s significance. “Entrepreneurs are drivers of change for the SDGs,” he said. “This partnership tackles the barriers they face – limited access to funding and technical support – by strengthening the ESO ecosystem.”

“The program’s multi-sectoral approach, focusing on areas like the blue economy and climate adaptation, positions it to make a significant contribution to African innovation and entrepreneurship,” Pharo concluded.

For ESOs in the targeted countries interested in program details and engagement opportunities, Village Capital will host an information session. This session will delve deeper into the program and its eligibility criteria.

To learn more and express interest in the information session, contact Ahmed Fadl, program manager at Village Capital (ahmed.fadl@vilcap.com).