Google Accelerator propels South African founders to scale with AI

The group also received a financial boost in the form of up to R1 million in equity-free funding to help them scale.

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Google Accelerator propels South African founders to scale with AI

Google Offices. Picture: Google

Ten South African startups chosen as part of the 2025 Google for Startups Accelerator Africa Program will now move into the next phase of their business success.

The group were part of an intensive three-month programme.

Entries

Chosen from 400 entries for their use of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in solving local problems, the ten startups represent a range of industries including agriculture, health, technology, energy and fintech.

Over the three months, they’ve received mentorship and technical support, undergone training and tapped into networks that will help them thrive well into the future.

They’ve also received a financial boost in the form of up to R1 million in equity-free funding to help them scale.

Startups

Speaking during their graduation ceremony held in Cape Town, Google’s Head of Startup Ecosystem for Africa, Folarin Aiyegbusi the startups now have an opportunity to contribute to a developing world.

“Google is committed to helping startups to grow, not only to drive local economic development, but to also contribute to a more inclusive, technologically enabled future for South Africa and for the continent as a whole.”

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Impact

Participating founders said they were already seeing the impact of the accelerator in their businesses, as the mentorship and technical expertise have allowed them to move from foundational development to market execution.

In addition to the training, founders will also now receive up to R1 million in equity-free funding to help them scale even further.

The founders now have their eye firmly on their futures, with plans to launch and scale.

Startups Accelerator Africa program

Since its launch in 2018, the Google for Startups Accelerator Africa program has become a foundational pillar of the continent’s tech growth, having supported 106 startups across 17 African countries.

Collectively, these alumni have raised over $263 million in funding and created more than 2,800 jobs.

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