Apply for Google Startup Accelerator Africa Cohort 10 (2026) – AI Startups in Africa Wanted

Google has officially opened applications for the 10th cohort of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, inviting high-growth African startups building with artificial intelligence and machine learning to apply for the 2026 programme.

Applications for the 12-week accelerator will remain open until March 18, 2026. The hybrid programme is specifically designed for Series A startups that are either based in Africa or creating solutions focused on the African market using AI-powered technologies.

The accelerator is structured to help startups refine their products, scale responsibly, and convert advanced research into practical, real-world solutions across key sectors.

Selected startups will gain access to Google’s AI expertise, technical resources, and hands-on mentorship from experienced AI professionals. Participants will also benefit from networking opportunities with founders, investors, and industry leaders across the global technology ecosystem.

Speaking on the new cohort, Google’s Head of Startup Ecosystem for Africa, Folarin Aiyegbusi, noted that Africa’s technology space is rapidly evolving toward deep tech innovation powered by artificial intelligence.

He explained that the focus for the 10th cohort is on harnessing AI to deliver meaningful health and societal impact, while providing the infrastructure and technical guidance needed to transform startups into innovation and research hubs across the continent.

Since its launch in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa programme has supported more than 180 startups across 17 African countries. According to Google, these startups have collectively raised over $350 million in funding and created more than 3,700 direct jobs, highlighting the programme’s influence in strengthening Africa’s startup ecosystem and attracting investor interest.

The focus for the 2026 cohort reflects growing momentum in applying AI solutions to critical sectors such as healthcare, climate, agriculture, fintech, logistics, and digital infrastructure.

In the previous cohort, six Nigerian startups were selected among 15 AI-driven ventures across Africa. The participating countries included Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa, with startups leveraging AI to solve pressing regional challenges.

The Nigerian startups selected previously included E-doc Online, a compliance and credit intelligence platform using real-time banking data to simplify onboarding and lending; GoNomad, which enables African freelancers and businesses to operate globally and receive international payments; and Midddleman, a sourcing and payments platform that simplifies imports from China for African businesses.

Others were Myltura, a digital health platform providing AI-powered remote care and integrated health data services; Pastel, which offers enterprise AI tools for fraud detection and anti-money laundering to financial institutions; and Scandium, an AI-powered software quality assurance platform designed to reduce bugs and accelerate product delivery.

From cross-border payments and digital health to fraud detection and software automation, Nigeria’s strong representation in the programme demonstrates the country’s growing leadership in Africa’s innovation landscape.

African startups leveraging AI to solve real-world problems now have another opportunity to access Google’s global support network, technical depth, and investor visibility through the 2026 accelerator cohort.