Africa

Africa
Three months
Growth-stage

A three-month hybrid accelerator program for growth-stage technology startups. The accelerator program is designed to bring the best of Google's programs, products, people and technology to communities across Africa.

Africa
Three months
Growth-stage

Applications are now open

Growth-stage startups are invited to apply

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About the program

About the program

A global series of programs
Each cohort of 10-15 startups comes together to tackle technical challenges that can help grow their businesses through a mix of remote and in-person, 1-to-1, group learning sessions, and sprint projects.

Dedicated expert help
Founders outline the top technical challenges for their startup, and are paired with experts from Google and the industry to solve those challenges and grow their business.

Specialist deep dives
Accelerators include deep dives and workshops focused on product design, customer acquisition, and leadership development for founders.

Google product benefits

Early access to AI products: Eligible participants receive Early Access Program and Trusted Tester benefits for Google’s AI products.

Cloud credits: Eligible participants can apply for Google Cloud credits to support their business’ growth. Find out more.

Cloud TPUs: Participants are eligible to receive free Cloud TPU access to accelerate open source machine learning research. Find out more.

Key benefits

  • Equity-free support

    Equity-free support: For duration of program.

  • Mentoring

    Dedicated mentoring from Google teams.

  • Training

    Exclusive invitations to technical bootcamps hosted by Google where offered.

  • Access to experts

    Access to Google's network of industry experts.

  • Early access to AI products

    Access new Google AI products and tools as relevant through Trusted Tester and EAP benefits.

  • Google product credits

    Eligible startups receive product credits.

  • Strategic support

    Support on company and product strategy.

  • Technical project partnership

    Work hand in hand with experts from Google on your biggest tech challenges.

Entry criteria

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Entry criteria

  • Startups demonstrating traction, ideally growth-stage startups
  • Building a scalable product or service with a significant total addressable market and defensible growth model
  • Deeply technical, preferably leveraging technologies like machine learning and AI
  • Commitment from CTO and/or technical roles to participate and engage in required program sessions
  • We are committed to building accelerator classes with great startups, and encourage applications from all qualified startups

Key Dates

  • February 4, 2026

    Applications Open

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  • March 18, 2026

    Applications Close

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  • April, 2026

    Program Kick-off

  • June, 2026

    Graduation

  • June, 2026

    Demo Day

Accelerator Alumni

Frequently asked questions

When will the program run?

The Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa will kick off in April 2026 and run until June 2026.

Who should apply to the Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa?

The Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa is best suited for growth-stage revenue generating tech startups. The founder and appropriate team members must be available to join all program elements of their cohort. In order to ensure Google can provide meaningful value, startups should aim to leverage AI/ML technology in their product, service or operations and/or show an interest in leveraging this technology in the future.

Do you take equity or a fee to be a part of this program?

The Google for Startups Accelerator: Africa is equity-free for all participating startups. Please note that we do require all founders (CEO and CTO) and appropriate team members to be available to join all elements of the program.

What are the criteria to receive product credits, and what does "eligible for product credits" mean?

Startups must meet specific criteria to be eligible for Google product credit offerings. To learn more about the Google Cloud credit eligibility requirements, please visit the Google Cloud startup page.