Google has announced the selection of 10 promising and innovative startups from Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and South Africa, for its eight (8th) accelerator program, chosen from a competitive pool of nearly 1,000 applicants.
Since its launch in 2018, the program has empowered over 106 startups from 17 African countries. The beneficiary ventures have created over 2,800 jobs, demonstrating the accelerator’s substantial impact on the Africa’s economic growth.
This year’s cohort places a particular focus on harnessing the power of AI (artificial intelligence), reflecting the technology’s increasing role in tackling Africa’s most pressing challenges.
The selected startups for the 2024 cohort are;
1. Lifesten Health (Rwanda)
Launched in 2021, Lifesten Health focuses on improving overall wellness through cutting-edge screening and incentive-based programs focused on physical, mental, and nutritional health.
2. CDIAL AI (Nigeria)
Launched in 2021 with a focus on addressing language barriers. CDIAL Al uses artificial intelligence to enhance multilingual information systems, aiming to improve healthcare and trade across Africa.
3. Earthbond (Nigeria)
Founded in 2022 by Chidalu Onyenso, Earthbond is a platform that connects urban Nigerians with affordable financing for clean, reliable energy.
4. Fixxr (South Africa)
Fixxr is a platform that offers mobile diagonistic and vehicle repair service. Putting car owners and businesses in the driver’s seat with transparent and convenient on-location vehicle maintenance and repair services.
5. Nakili (Kenya)
Nakili is bringing salons, barbershops, and spas into the digital age with a mobile-based app for streamlined management and enhanced customer experiences.
6. NextCounsel (Nigeria)
NextCounsel is supercharging lawyer productivity with an Al-powered tool for contract management, solicitor engagement, compliance, and more, for increased productivity and efficiency.
7. MyAIFactchecker (Nigeria)
Equipping users with an Al-powered tool to combat misinformation and promote informed decision-making through fact-checking. This is a great tool for journalists.
8. Nobuk Africa (Kenya)
Nobuk is a payment reconciliation platform. Nobuk provides management for groups and collectives across Africa with a seamless platform for collecting funds, reconciling payments, and generating reports.
9. Triply (Kenya)
Triply is Africa’s travel operating system, connecting travelers with seamless booking experiences and travel businesses with powerful management tools.
10. Rana Energy (Nigeria)
Rana Energy is providing clean, reliable energy solutions to SMEs and communities through a data-driven ecosystem.
Over ten weeks from July 29th to September 20th, 2024, these ten startups will undergo a comprehensive program designed to accelerate their growth. They will gain invaluable insights from Google mentors and experienced entrepreneurs, refine their products through technical workshops, and strengthen their business strategies and leadership capabilities.
