Google Opens App for AI Accelerator Africa Program 

Tech giant, Google, has announced the opening of applications for the 8th cohort of its Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program. 

A company statement states that this cohort will be heavily focused on startups using machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) to solve important problems and open up new opportunities throughout the continent. 

In the statement, Google said that startups are the backbone of innovation, generating jobs, economic growth, and addressing some of the most important social issues.

Google disclosed that the program’s selected companies will go through an accelerator course from June to September of 2024. An equity-free $350,000 allocation in Google Cloud Credits will be beneficial to the entrepreneurs. 

According to Google, startups can also benefit from in-depth training on AI/ML development, product strategy, and scaling; connections to potential partners, customers, and investors; and a supportive network of fellow founders facing similar opportunities and challenges. Google experts, seasoned entrepreneurs, and industry leaders can provide personalised guidance on AI/ML development.

During the three months of the equity-free virtual programme, Google for entrepreneurs Accelerator Africa, African entrepreneurs can access technical tools, mentorship, and a worldwide network of investors and experts. 

Since the program’s launch in 2018 Google announced that it has provided funding to 106 African firms, which have raised over $263 million and directly employed over 2,800 people. 

Three Nigerian firms were included in the 11 African startups that were chosen for the 2023 edition. 

These included Vzy, which is revolutionising website building with AI-driven tools that craft sites in mere minutes, Izifin, a Nigerian company offering an end-to-end credit infrastructure via API for small businesses, and Famasi Africa, a startup that is building the operating system for pharmacies in emerging markets.