Applications Now Open – Up to Series A Startups Invited to Apply
The Google for Startups Accelerator Africa is a comprehensive three-month hybrid program aimed at supporting technology startups in Africa, from Seed to Series A stage. This accelerator brings together the best of Google’s programs, products, people, and technology to help African startups scale, grow, and innovate.
Through a combination of remote and in-person learning, technical support, and industry expertise, this program empowers founders to overcome challenges and build scalable solutions that address both local and global needs.
Program Overview
Duration: 3 Months
Target Audience: Seed to Series A technology startups
Format: Hybrid (Remote & In-Person)
Applications Open: Now
Applications Close: May 9, 2025
Each cohort is designed to support 10-15 selected startups. The program focuses on helping startups tackle their most pressing technical challenges, enhance their product offerings, and access the tools and networks that will accelerate their growth. With both remote and in-person elements, participants can expect 1-to-1 sessions, group learning, sprint projects, and expert workshops.
Key Benefits
- Equity-Free Support: All participants receive support without giving up any equity in their company, ensuring they retain full control over their businesses during the program.
- Mentorship: Founders will be paired with Google experts and industry leaders who will offer dedicated, personalized guidance to help solve key challenges.
- Exclusive Technical Bootcamps: Access to specialized Google-hosted bootcamps, providing valuable insights into technical and business strategies that can help startups grow.
- Google Product Credits: Eligible participants will receive significant product credits for Google’s suite of tools, including cloud storage, computing power, and machine learning infrastructure.
- Access to Industry Experts: Participants will be connected to a global network of experts from Google and the tech industry who will provide technical and strategic advice.
- Strategic Support: Startups will receive critical support on both product and company strategies, including business model refinement, market entry, and customer acquisition.
- Collaborative Technical Projects: Startups will work directly with Google’s technical teams on their most critical challenges, helping to build solutions and technologies that will drive business growth.
Key Program Components
- Dedicated Expert Help
Every participating startup will identify its most significant technical hurdles, whether related to product development, scaling, or infrastructure. Founders will then be paired with Google experts and external industry specialists who will work closely with them to address these challenges. This personalized support aims to unlock new growth opportunities and overcome barriers to success. - Specialist Deep Dives
Throughout the accelerator, participants will engage in workshops that dive deep into areas such as product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development. These workshops are designed to equip founders with the knowledge and skills necessary to take their startups to the next level. - Google for Startups Cloud Program
Startups accepted into the accelerator will have access to up to $350,000 in Google Cloud credits, enabling them to leverage cloud technologies for scaling their products and services. Additionally, participants can take advantage of 30 days of free Cloud TPU access through the TPU Research Cloud program, helping to accelerate machine learning research and development. - Early Access to Google Products
Participants will gain early access to new Google products, tools, and technologies as they become available, allowing startups to be among the first to integrate cutting-edge solutions into their offerings.
Eligibility Criteria
The accelerator is open to startups at the Seed to Series A stage that meet the following criteria:
- Demonstrated Traction: Startups should show measurable progress, whether through revenue, user growth, or market presence.
- Scalable Product/Service: Applicants should be building products or services that are scalable with a large addressable market and a defensible growth model.
- Technologically Driven: Startups should have a deep technical focus, ideally leveraging technologies like AI, machine learning, or other advanced technologies.
- Commitment from Technical Roles: The program requires active participation from the startup’s CTO or technical leaders to ensure maximum engagement and success throughout the program.
Google is committed to selecting the most promising startups for this accelerator, with an open call to all qualified applicants, regardless of gender, background, or location within Africa.
Important Dates
- April 10, 2025: Applications Open
- May 9, 2025: Applications Close
- June 2025: Program Kick-off
- August 2025: Graduation & Demo Day
How to Apply
Applications for the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa are now open. If you are a startup that fits the criteria outlined above, we encourage you to apply and take advantage of this opportunity to scale your business with the help of Google’s world-class resources and support.
Apply Now and join a cohort of innovative startups shaping the future of Africa’s tech ecosystem.
This accelerator is more than just a program—it’s a launchpad designed to help African startups reach their full potential with the right tools, support, and expertise.
Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to grow your business and make a lasting impact.
