This initiative is a three-month program designed to nurture early-stage ventures applying artificial intelligence (AI) to address critical local issues.

Launched in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa has so far supported 140 startups representing close to 17 African nations.

Now in its ninth edition, the program invited applications from startups operating at the seed to Series A stage, particularly those integrating AI at the core of their operations.

After a rigorous selection process that attracted nearly 1,500 applications, 15 companies have now been admitted into the program.

The chosen startups for the ninth cohort are:

• AFRIKABAL (Rwanda) – Utilizes blockchain and AI to create a transparent crop trading ecosystem connecting farmers, logistics providers, and buyers.

• Apexloads (Kenya) – A software-as-a-service solution for freight stakeholders, streamlining cargo transport with vetted logistics partners.

• E-doc Online (Nigeria) – Offers a data-driven compliance and credit assessment platform that uses real-time banking data for better financial onboarding.

• GoNomad (Nigeria) – Enables solopreneurs and companies to manage international operations and invoicing with localized financial tools.

• Midddleman (Nigeria) – Provides an AI-powered solution for secure and efficient import payments and procurement from China.

• Myltura (Nigeria) – A digital health platform using AI to facilitate remote healthcare access and data integration across African communities.

• Pastel (Nigeria) – Delivers enterprise-grade AI services such as fraud detection and anti-money laundering tools tailored for financial institutions.

• Rapid Human AI (South Africa) – Speeds up product development by transforming design concepts into code using an AI-first approach.

• Regulon (Ghana) – Simplifies regulatory compliance and business onboarding across Africa and the EMEA region through AI technology.

• Scandium (Nigeria) – Offers an AI-based quality assurance system that enables teams to test and ship software more efficiently.

• Shamba Records (Kenya) – Empowers over 50,000 farmers with AI tools that support credit access, market integration, and climate-smart agriculture.

• Smartel Agri Tech (Rwanda) – Equips smallholder farmers with solar-powered AI tools to detect crop diseases early and send SMS-based alerts.

• TOLBI (Senegal) – Combines AI with satellite imagery to deliver actionable insights for sustainable agriculture, including crop yield forecasting.

• YeneHealth (Ethiopia) – A health-tech app offering affordable access to medicines and services through an AI-optimized platform.

• Zerone Analytiqs (Ghana) – Tackles Africa’s data scarcity by transforming how information is sourced, analyzed, and turned into strategic insights.

The new cohort highlights Google’s sustained focus on fostering innovation across the continent.

According to Folarin Aiyegbusi, Google’s Head of Startup Ecosystem for Africa, these ventures exemplify the transformative potential of AI when developed by individuals with deep regional understanding.

“African startups are applying AI to solve fundamental problems in groundbreaking ways,” said Aiyegbusi.

“This initiative demonstrates our belief in the power of local innovation, and we’re proud to be part of the journey these founders are on.”

Participants in the accelerator will benefit from tailored mentorship by Google engineers and external experts, alongside up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits.

The program also includes strategic guidance in scaling AI applications, building product capabilities, and accelerating business development.

Founders will gain access to a global community of investors, collaborators, and partners, broadening their exposure and boosting their impact.