Google Opens Applications for the 10th Cohort of Google for Startups Accelerator Africa

Why It Matters

By centring AI, Google accelerates high‑impact tech that can reshape African economies while offering founders non‑dilutive resources to scale faster.

Key Takeaways

• 10th cohort focuses on AI-driven health and societal impact
• Targets Series A African startups with AI/ML solutions
• Offers equity‑free support, Google Cloud credits, AI mentorship
• Alumni have raised $350M and created 3,700 jobs
• Applications open Feb 5–Mar 18; program starts April 2026

Pulse Analysis

The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa has become a cornerstone of the continent’s tech ecosystem since its 2018 launch. Over nine years, the program has nurtured more than 180 startups across 17 countries, delivering equity‑free resources that enable founders to retain control while accessing world‑class infrastructure. This track record of alumni raising $350 million and generating thousands of jobs underscores Google’s commitment to fostering sustainable, home‑grown innovation rather than merely exporting external solutions.

The 2026 “AI First” cohort marks a strategic pivot toward deep‑tech, reflecting the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence across African markets. Health‑tech, fintech and civic tech firms stand to benefit from Google’s AI expertise, cloud credits, and specialized workshops that accelerate model development and deployment. By concentrating on Series A companies, the accelerator aims to amplify ventures that have already validated product‑market fit, positioning them to tackle large‑scale challenges such as disease detection, financial inclusion and climate resilience with scalable AI tools.

For investors and policymakers, the program signals a maturing startup landscape where AI is no longer a niche capability but a mainstream growth engine. Google’s broader $1 billion pledge to Africa’s digital transformation gains tangible momentum through this cohort, offering a pipeline of investable, high‑impact companies. Startups that secure a spot can leverage Google’s global network to attract follow‑on funding, while the continent benefits from home‑grown research labs that keep talent and capital within Africa’s borders.

Google opens applications for the 10th cohort of Google for Startups Accelerator Africa

February 5, 2026 · By Victoria Fakiya · Senior Writer, Techpoint Digest

Google has officially opened applications for the 10th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program, marking nearly a decade of the tech giant’s involvement in the continent’s tech scene. This edition follows a series of successful cohorts that have helped shape the African startup landscape since the program’s launch in 2018.

While previous years focused on broad digital transformation, the 2026 cohort, dubbed the “AI First program,” signals a shift toward deep‑tech innovation.

The 12‑week hybrid program is specifically tailored for Series A startups that are either based in Africa or developing Africa‑centric solutions using artificial intelligence and machine learning.

“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,” says Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa.

Selected startups will receive equity‑free support, a hallmark of the Google program that allows founders to scale without diluting their ownership. Other benefits include access to Google’s AI experts and specialised workshops, Google Cloud credits to power their infrastructure, one‑on‑one mentorship sessions with seasoned AI professionals, and networking opportunities with a global pool of investors.

First launched in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa has become one of the continent’s most visible corporate accelerator programs. Over the past nine years, it has supported more than 180 startups from 17 African countries, helping them scale products, raise capital, and create jobs.

The program alumni have also collectively raised over $350 million in funding and generated more than 3,700 direct jobs across the region. Notable alumni include logistics giant Paps and health‑tech innovators such as Myltura and YeneHealth.

This edition comes at a time when artificial intelligence is a major engine for future economic growth in Africa. By centring this cohort on AI, Google aims to equip startups with the tools, expertise, and infrastructure needed to develop scalable solutions across healthcare, financial services, and societal development.

Applications are open from February 5 until March 18, 2026. Eligible startups can apply online at g.co/acceleratorafrica. The program is expected to kick off in April 2026, continuing Google’s broader $1 billion commitment to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation.