Google has opened applications for Class 10 of the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa, marking a pivotal shift in the program’s evolution nearly a decade into its engagement with the continent’s tech ecosystem.
Since launching in 2018, the accelerator has supported early- and growth-stage startups across Africa. But the 2026 cohort signals a clear strategic pivot: this will be an AI-first accelerator, reflecting Google’s intention to deepen Africa’s role in advanced, research-driven innovation rather than surface-level digital adoption.
An AI-Focused Cohort for Series A Startups
The 12-week hybrid program is designed specifically for Series A startups either based in Africa or building AI-powered solutions for African markets. Eligible companies must demonstrate clear traction, technical depth, and scalable business models grounded in artificial intelligence or machine learning.
According to Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google, the shift mirrors broader changes across the continent’s innovation landscape.
“Africa’s tech ecosystem is moving toward deeper innovation. For Class 10, we are focusing on how AI can drive health and societal outcomes, while providing the infrastructure and expertise needed to transform startups into research-driven labs.”
The emphasis moves beyond application-layer AI tools toward startups building foundational systems, applied research capabilities, and scalable AI infrastructure.
What Selected Startups Will Receive
Startups admitted into Class 10 will benefit from equity-free support, allowing founders to scale without ownership dilution.
Participants will gain:
- Direct access to Google AI specialists
- Advanced technical workshops focused on complex problem-solving
- One-on-one mentorship with experienced AI and product leaders
- Google Cloud credits
- Early access to select AI products
- Cloud TPU resources
By lowering infrastructure barriers, particularly access to high-performance computing, the program aims to enable deeper experimentation in AI and machine learning.
Each cohort typically includes 10 to 15 startups, engaging through a mix of remote sessions, in-person meetups, group learning, and sprint-based technical projects. Founders identify their most pressing technical and strategic challenges and are paired with relevant experts to work through them during the program.
Track Record and Impact
Since 2018, the accelerator has supported over 180 startups across 17 African countries. Collectively, these companies have raised more than $350 million and created over 3,700 direct jobs, cementing the program’s position as one of Africa’s most visible corporate-backed accelerators.
Alumni span logistics, healthtech, fintech, and enterprise software. Notable graduates include logistics platform Paps and health-focused startups Myltura and YeneHealth.
Cohort 9 featured startups from Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa. Six Nigerian companies were selected, including E-doc Online, GoNomad, Middleman, Myltura, Pastel, and Scandium — reinforcing Nigeria’s continued prominence within the continent’s innovation ecosystem.
Why the AI Shift Matters
The launch of Class 10 comes at a time when artificial intelligence is increasingly viewed as a core driver of Africa’s long-term economic growth.
By centering the cohort on AI, Google is positioning African startups not only as solution providers, but as contributors to applied research in critical sectors such as:
- Healthcare delivery
- Climate resilience
- Agriculture
- Financial systems
- Public and societal infrastructure
The objective is to help startups translate advanced research into deployable, scalable products — bridging the gap between experimentation and real-world impact.
The accelerator forms part of Google’s broader $1 billion commitment to Africa’s digital transformation, and its AI-first orientation sends a clear message: the next phase of Africa’s tech growth will be shaped by intelligence, research depth, and the ability to scale advanced systems responsibly.
Key Dates
Applications for Class 10 are open from February 5 to March 18, 2026, with the program expected to begin in April 2026.
Startups can apply online here
