Global tech giant Google has selected 15 startups from across Africa for the ninth cohort of its ‘Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa program’, with two Kenyan startups, Apexloads and Shamba Records, among those chosen.
The program, which runs through August 2025, targets companies applying artificial intelligence to challenges in logistics, agriculture, healthcare, compliance, and financial services.Selected from a pool of nearly 1,500 applicants, the startups come from seven countries: Ghana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, and South Africa.Each company will receive technical mentorship from Google engineers, business support, and up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits.
“This program reflects our belief that AI can be transformative when shaped by those who understand the context deeply. We are incredibly excited to support these founders who are building for impact and helping to shape an inclusive AI ecosystem across Africa,” Folarin Aiyegbusi, Head of Startup Ecosystem, Africa at Google said.
Apexloads, based in Kenya, operates a logistics software platform that helps freight brokers and transporters move cargo more efficiently with verified partners. Shamba Records uses AI to support over 50,000 African farmers with tools for smart credit access, market insights, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Other startups selected in the accelerator program include Nigeria’s Pastel, Ghana’s Regulon, and Ethiopia’s YeneHealth; all using AI to tackle challenges in finance, compliance, and healthcare. Rwanda’s Smartel Agri Tech and Senegal’s TOLBI focus on AI-powered farming tools, while South Africa’s Rapid Human AI accelerates software development.
Since launching the accelerator in 2018, Google has supported 153 startups across 17 African countries. The company says alumni have collectively raised over US$300 million in funding and created more than 3,500 jobs.